Be water, my friend.
Tonight I talked to ChatGPT about some thoughts I’ve been having recently. And it wrote this article for me. Thought it would be fun to share it here. 😎
"By water, my friend." These words of Bruce Lee have been my guiding light, a philosophy deeply ingrained in my East Asian upbringing. To be like water, formless, and adaptive has been the goal — to embody strength in silence until the moment demands exposure or action. Yet, as I tread the waters of Western culture, a different current challenges this ethos. Visibility is not just encouraged; it's a currency in the workplace. The struggle emerges: be true to the quiet strength of water or embrace the Western pursuit of visibility?
In Eastern philosophy, authenticity is synonymous with the quiet mastery of one's craft. The focus is on substance rather than spectacle, on letting the work speak for itself. This approach resonates with the water metaphor, urging individuals to stay true to themselves, to be authentic in their endeavors, and to reveal their strength only when necessary.
Conversely, Western workplace dynamics often prize visibility as a marker of success. Speaking up, being seen, and actively contributing to discussions are not just valued but expected. The challenge lies in reconciling this with the Eastern principle of keeping a low profile until the right moment arrives.
The tension between authenticity and visibility becomes a personal struggle. Should one conform to the cultural norms of being seen and heard, or hold onto the authentic, reserved strength rooted in Eastern philosophy? It's a delicate dance, a negotiation between staying true to oneself and adapting to the expectations of a different cultural context.
As I navigate these cultural waters, I am reminded of the wisdom encapsulated in Bruce Lee's metaphor. Being like water doesn't mean forsaking authenticity for visibility or vice versa. Instead, it encourages a harmonious integration of both. Authenticity becomes the bedrock, the silent strength that propels me forward, while visibility becomes the surface ripples that announce my presence when necessary.
In the workplace cultural mosaic, the struggle between authenticity and visibility persists, but it need not be a dichotomy. By embracing the essence of water, I strive to find harmony in the coexistence of both worlds. The journey involves recognizing when to let the quiet strength of authenticity guide my actions and when to let the waves of visibility make an impact. In this delicate balance, I discover that being true to myself and being visible are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary forces that, when harnessed together, create a narrative of strength, authenticity, and success. As I continue to navigate these cultural waters, I embrace the dual nature of my identity, drawing strength from the wisdom that lies in the fusion of East and West.