Some of you may read this title and be reminded of a high school English class book about the Salem witch trials. This is not what I'm referring to. I found that the term "crucible" refers to something with which I can identify, and I wanted to share it.
Last night, while reading some "homework" that I needed to do for a leadership seminar, I found out that a "crucible" is actually an occasion of severe test or trial. The article I was reading was focused on the fact that with many great leaders, they were able to identify an event of some sort that was difficult and often even traumatic, as being a turning point for them. That this event changed the way they looked at things, approached things, and how it therefore ultimately changed them - for the better.
They say that doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and that true leaders are able to emerge on the other side of things wiser and more determined.
As I was reading this, article, alarm bells were sounding in my head. While I cannot say that this has happened for me with my work, this has happened for me with my life. I can point to the day that my crucible occured: Sunday, February 6, 2012. This day changed me. It changed my outlook on life, changed the way I approach things, and it changed the way I look at myself.
I've talked about improvement and many things that I'm working on in my life. What I haven't necessarily mentioned is that this is the first time that I'm tackling these long-standing concerns with commitment. They're no longer a part of who I am or who I want to be, therefore they cannot be allowed to happen.
So... what didn't break me has made me stronger. I emerged on the other side wiser and more determined. My crucible has set me free and has helped me see.
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