We live in a world obsessed with intelligence! 

Throughout my career and life, I’ve always wanted to be recognized for my intelligence…to be thought of as a “smart” person.  But as I mature, I realize what gets you much further in life is having the wisdom to make the right decisions and this can come only from life’s experiences and mentorship from the wise.  Many times, it takes trial and error of making the same mistake twice!  Ouch!

Wisdom is harder to spot. 

Wisdom doesn’t brag.  Intelligence often does.  Intelligence is flashy.  Wisdom is foundational. Intelligence is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.  Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.  So, how do we recognize wisdom?  It often comes with traits of humility, experience, patience, and empathy.  Wisdom isn’t loud…it sits back analyzing and watching.

Smart people often get the spotlight. They write the code, lead the meetings, and talk confidently.  Meanwhile, the wise person in the corner is quietly watching, sizing up the situation and usually knows how it ends. Wisdom doesn’t show off.  It doesn’t interrupt.  It waits. We should recognize and celebrate the quiet brilliance of the wise ones because knowing stuff is good, but knowing what matters – well that’s next level!

So why should we celebrate wisdom more? 

Using our wisdom tells us when to speak and when to stay silent, when to act and when to wait, and most importantly, when to admit we don’t know enough yet.  Life is a journey of continual learning.  It’s ok to say “I don’t know” with confidence.  Wisdom isn’t afraid of being wrong, because it’s more interested in “getting it right”.

Ultimately, we need brilliant minds…the thinkers and inventors.  But…here’s to the wise ones.  The mentors.  The quiet observers.  They are the people who don’t always have the fastest answer, but usually have the best one.  Wisdom is what I am working towards.  I hope to keep gaining in wisdom as I go through life.

It’s not easy to achieve, but it’s worthwhile! It’s a journey not a destination as we are continually evolving.  I have a few people in my life whom I consider very wise, and I go to them first when faced with a dilemma or difficult situation.  I love their perspectives and it helps to guide me, ground me, and teach me.  I want to be a student of wisdom!

A word to the wise…keep doing what you’re doing!

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