avatarAhmadou DIALLO ✪

Summary

The article discusses the pursuit of authentic identity by shifting focus from external validation (Attention, Approval, Admiration, Approbation, Applause) to internal virtues (Intention, Deferential, Normalisation, Timelessness, Typos), drawing a parallel with the infinity stones from Marvel's universe.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on the human tendency to seek external validation in the form of attention, approval, admiration, approbation, and applause, likening these to the "quinte" or a winning hand in cards. However, the article argues that true self-realization comes from an internal shift towards intention, deference, normalization, timelessness, and accepting one's imperfections (typos). This shift is metaphorically represented by the infinity stones from Marvel's lore, suggesting that these internal virtues form a powerful tool for crafting one's true identity. The author encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and to share their experiences and tips for empowerment.

Opinions

  • External validation, while initially comforting, ultimately leads to disappointment and a loss of one's true self.
  • The pursuit of external validation is compared to a game where people seek a winning hand ("quinte") for a sense of achievement.
  • The article suggests that by focusing on internal virtues, akin to the infinity stones, individuals can forge a more genuine and fulfilling identity.
  • The author believes that societal norms and trends should not dictate one's sense of worth or the legacy one leaves behind.
  • Perfection is an unattainable and unnecessary goal; embracing one's flaws ("typos") is part of accepting one's true identity.
  • The author uses the concept of the mind as the final, missing infinity stone, emphasizing the importance of one's thoughts and narratives in shaping reality and identity.
  • Readers are encouraged to engage with

Want To Find Your True Face? Ditch The Aces To Let The Eye Be.

Come True To Yourself First Before You Serve.

Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Yes! I would scream each time I had the 4 Aces in my hand when playing Belote with friends and family.

It did not guarantee that I would win the game. It just gave me more confidence in that game.

I have been taking Improv comedy classes for 3 years now. Each time I am on stage, I also look for those 4 Aces on top of the Joker, the King of all faces.

The 4 Aces and the Joker is a sequence of 5 cards with magic powers or a “quinte,” as we say when playing Belote.

The pursuit of the magic “quinte” is shared among many artists, actors, and musicians. In short, that “quinte” is what drives a lot of people on stage.

Yet there is a bigger age, where we all are playing our roles, looking for that magic “quinte”: the stage of life.

Two types of plays are predominant in that stage: tragedies and comedies.

“Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.”

― La Bruyere

While on stage, each of us is looking for that “quinte royale.” Each time we go on stage, at home, at the office, at a conference, in front of a camera, on a Zoom meeting, we are longing for:

  • Attention or the Ace of Shades
  • Approval or the Ace of Clubs
  • Admiration or the Ace of Hearts
  • Approbation or the Ace of diamonds
  • Applause or The Joker

Part I

1.1 Attention Or The Ace Of Shades

We all are going through life seeking attention from others as individuals. Social media platforms are also waging war to grab your attention while you are looking for other people’s attention.

1.2 Approval Or The Ace Of Clubs

From a young age, we develop habits to seek approval from our parents, friends, and society. Attention-seeking is woven into the very fabric of our digital existence today.

1.3 Admiration Or The Ace Of Hearts

We feed our ego from the admiration of others, peers, and parents. We spend so much time and energy trying to harvest admiration that we forget to live in the moment.

1.4 Approbation Or The Ace Of Diamonds

Be it our boss, relatives, or strangers in the streets. We always look for others’ approbation as the green light to move further in our lives. Sometimes we get stocks because the traffic light is broken.

1.5 Approval Or The Joker

Each time we succeed in life, we turn our heads around, looking for spectators around us for their approval. Endless time and energy is spent seeking approvals from people or institutions. Most of them care more about them than us.

We go through our lives seeking those cards from the hands of others. All that brings is defeat, disappointment, grudges, and endless tears of sorrow that destroy the make-up we wear to try to please them.

What if there is a way to search for our true selves, the identity we were looking for?

To do so, we have to move from:

  • Attention to Intention
  • Approval to DEferential
  • Admiration to Normalisation
  • Approbation to TImelessness
  • Applause to TYpos

Indeed, Intention, DEferential, Normalisation, TImelessness, and TYpos are the 5 five infinity stones that form the gauntlet of our true identity.

Yes, you, Marvel fan, I know that there are 6 of them. I will explain later.

Part II

2.1 Intention Or Our Reality Stone

We define our vision of reality by shifting from seeking other people’s attention to sharing the intention behind our actions. This is not to run behind people for their attention.

That is just to share our intention from within. We are not denying other people’s reality. We are just carving our own.

2.2 Deferential Or Our Power Stone

By seeking the approval of others, we have yielded to their power. Building our power from within by believing that we are enough will lead people to treat us with deference. Not because we are forcing it on them. Because we treat ourselves with deference, so they treat us the same.

2.3 Normalisation Or Our Space Stone

When seeking others’ admiration, we are tied to their willingness to give it to us. We are constantly competing with other entities for their limited admiration coins. We are grounded by accepting that we are not above the norm or just human beings. We build a fertile ground, a unique space to grow safely.

2.4 Timelessness Or Our Time Stone

Many things commonly accepted today were illegal some years or centuries ago. People’s approbation is often tied to what is widely accepted in their time. You build a legacy that will outlive your physical existence by striving for an impact beyond today’s trends.

2.5 Typos Or Our Soul Stone

We often hear the phrase: people have sold their souls to the devil for some success in life, for some rounds of applause in this finite world. They often try to paint their success as a perfect life, making them “perfect” individuals. Perfection is an illusion. We all have some typos in our soul code. Just accept it and run with it.

Now, you have all the gems in our gauntlet to make us the most powerful beings to shape our universe. Well almost. Because, as all Marvel fans know, we are still missing one stone in the gauntlet.

And clearly, I don’t want such a big hole in my story.

2.6 The Mind Stone Or Our Own Story

Our mind is what makes our reality. Our mind is where we build our power. Our mind is where we shape our time. Our mind defines how glorious our space is. Our mind is where we store our soul.

Our mind is why we craft our story day in and day out. Our mind is the ink writing our storyline, line after line, building to the book of our life. Our mind is the matrix running the code of our identity.

Final Thoughts

In this journey, we looked at the external “quinte” of forces (attention, approval, admiration, approbation, and applause) driving most of us for most of our lives.

Then, we explored the quintessence of our identity (intention, deferential, normalization, timelessness, typos).

Only through that quintessence can we grasp the essence of our life with that magic gauntlet of the 6 infinity gems.

This is the way—the way to craft our true IDENTITY.

How are you handling the Aces and the Joker in your life?

How are you crafting your true identity?

What is your best tip to empower yourself?

Leave a comment below.

If you find this article of value to you, please like it and share it within your sphere of influence.

#Dare2Care #Dare2Share

#BIOS #BringInyourOwnSoul #LeadHeartship #Leadership

You can read my previous article on (Friendly Link):

Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

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