Exceptional Living in an Ordinary World
This week, I want to dive into why I chose “be exceptional” as part of my tagline. I am not sure how many people choose taglines as a topic of conversation for a blog post, but here I am. For what it’s worth, I do think it’s worthy of the spotlight.
After all, who has heard of a metastatic cancer patient being exceptional at anything?!
I HAVE! Let’s take a look!
As the idea of starting my very own business began to materialize, I knew I had to have a tagline. I understand the value of it—especially after years of being in the marketing and networking space. It’s a catchy phrase people will remember you by. And trust me when I say that you want people to remember you!
So, for me … “be exceptional” made too much sense.
The dictionary defines exceptional as “not ordinary; having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill.”
Exceptional in the metastatic world
My journey with cancer started in an exceptional way. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 de novo, which means “from the beginning.” I never had cancer before this, and only 10-15% of metastatic breast cancer patients are diagnosed as de novo.
So there I was, being exceptional at something that I never wanted. Yay me! (insert lol)
About a year into my treatment, my oncologist called me an exceptional responder. That means that I have responded exceptionally well to my first line of treatment.
Now THIS is one thing that I can be proud of!
That got me thinking … if I can be exceptional at fighting cancer, what else am I exceptional at?
How can I translate my exceptional status into my business and make it relevant to others?
Know what you can’t do …
In true Debbie fashion, it was easier for me to identify exactly what I cannot do well. Take art as an example. I am not an artist! I can draw a pretty mean stick figure and some basic shapes—but that’s it. I cringe whenever I read that doing things like drawing, knitting, or sewing is therapeutic and relieves stress. They cause me a lot of anxiety!
I’m also challenged in learning new technology. Starting a business would have been impossible on my own. I know my limitations and paid for someone else to design the website, set up work email, design a logo, etc. I came up with the business name and the colors I wanted and let the professionals do the rest!
So what CAN I do?
Dare to define what you can do
I communicate well with others, both in writing and in person.
I love connecting people. I am the one who will seek out the person who is by themselves at an event and introduce myself, and will probably have a friend or two with me to introduce as well!
I am also a good advocate for anything that I am passionate about.
My cheerleader days as a young teenager are still sharp, and if I believe in someone or something, I can ignite enthusiasm in others as well.
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
So here I am, creating a business around my strengths, leaving what I don’t do well to others. My passion is writing to you and challenging you to find what makes you exceptional—whether it’s sports, writing, technical skills, music, or one of a thousand other things.
Go ahead … I triple-dog dare you to define your strengths, acknowledge your weaker skills, and create the best version of yourself you can be!
Until then … go forth. Be exceptional!
