When in Rome

We’re all familiar with the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” The nuances of its meaning are manifold depending on the context of the user, but ultimately it means when you find yourself amid a new environment, adapt to the culture. Anyone who has followed me and the mentoring I do, knows that I consistently challenge young ladies with the question: “Why fit in when God created you to stand out?” At first glance these two quotes seem extremely contradictory, but with some further investigation, there are poignant commonalities. Often times, exposure to the right environment transforms us in a way that gives us the very refinement and growth that enable us to later stand out in a crowd.

For any one of us to ever be great, we must be willing to embrace and be affected by change. Change is the one recurring element that fosters growth, maturation, and personal development. It also serves as evidence of life.
Last year a portion of my staff and I traveled to the city of Rome during Haute Couture Fashion Week. The city, which for centuries was the epicenter of the entire world, still emanates a sense of cultural innovation, leadership, and authority. It was there, in the midst of the hustle, bustle, and grandeur of the cosmopolitan destination, that a new meaning of the “When in Rome…” quote resonated with me. I realized that for those of us who desire to be world changers, we must expose ourselves to people, places, and things that represent excellence.  In exposing ourselves to levels of success, we become better if we are adaptable. Iron sharpens iron.
I don’t believe we should conform to every new environment we find ourselves thrust into, but I do strongly believe that we should seek out and be intential about surrounding ourselves with all things thriving and innovative.  Once we’ve discovered these sources of inspiration, we should be humble enough to observe and absorb the numerous lessons, skills, even insights they offer. Then by imitating all that we’ve learned, we too have the opportunity to produce similar levels of triumph.  So set goals for yourself, yes. But also be sure to find your proverbial Rome. Be it a person, a place, or the combination of the two, Rome represents the place overflowing with legacy, brilliance, and accomplishments.  Once you’ve found it then, and only then, do as the Romans.