Are you a spark?

To light a fire, you need a spark.

To let a fire go out, you need to kill the oxygen. Or just stop feeding the fire with more supplies of wood. It will eventually dim and then die.

Some people are sparks. Some people suck oxygen. Some people are passive and do nothing. Some people understand they’re constant work in progress and are prepared to work on their growth.

It’s a bit black and white, not permanent and contextual, but there’s a truth to it. Some people see solutions; others see problems.

There’s a saying that to see the change you want; you should be the change.

As human beings, we tend to point away from us to the other person. I’ve done my fair share of finger-pointing in my working life. It took some direct feedback and soul-searching to realize I was holding back.

And still, when I get challenged, it’s not easy to immediately look at myself. It needs some reflection and soul-searching.

To be a spark, you need a strong sense of self, the ability to reflect and learn, and the willingness to see your limitations.

Being a spark does not mean you’re high performing superstar.

It means you’re looking for growth.