“The sculpture is already complete within the marble block before I start my work. It is already there; I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” Michelangelo
The story goes that the sculptor Michelangelo saw figures hidden inside huge blocks of marble; his challenge was to set them free, carving away everything not needed. With complete faith in his ability to discover the hidden beauty, he sculpted with conviction. How could he doubt the outcome? He already knew the figures existed and would eventually be revealed.
The process of turning a block of marble into a sculptural masterpiece is metaphorically like leadership coaching. Through guided introspection, we help people chip away at the superfluous; anything holding them back from reaching their highest self.
Imagine the block of marble is your psyche. Your chisel is the sharp accurate analysis of who you are when you’re at your best. Words describing your natural gifts and abilities are honed to perfection. You’ve looked accurately at your shadows and the behaviors that aren’t serving you. Like Michelangelo, you undertake a process of removing what’s not needed, leaving behind what makes you world-class.
What is the superfluous marble of the psyche? The ego.
The ego is an unconscious projection of what you want others to think and feel about you. The ego seeks constant approval and validation. It manifests in multiple ways, causing one to lie or overstate achievements or rationalize behavior. The ego exists to feel superior and demands admiration without underlying substance.
It’s never too late take time out to introspect and commit to think more accurately. Focus your energy less on feeding your ego-driven behaviors and more on using your unique strengths strategically. Like Michelangelo who struggled to free figures from the marble, it can be a struggle to free yourself from your ego. But over time, you’ll see a powerful and confident energy from the stone – this is your highest and best self, who you are when you’re at your best.