Don’t Try to Fill Someone Else’s Shoes; Walk in Your Own

The title above was some advice given to a temporary colleague who had taken over some work from a previous beloved colleague and felt as though they could not measure up. In that moment I responded with, “Don’t try to fill someone else’s shoes; walk in your own.” The saying, invented in that moment, caused us both to pause and ponder the profoundness of the quote as we realised that this saying was not just true for this particular situation, but for life itself.

Oftentimes, throughout our lives, we may be placed in a position where we have replaced someone else. Examples of differing situations could be: a new relationship, friendship group, a new job, a new member of a team amongst others. The outgoing person could have been very popular, well-liked, well-loved, and you, coming in, focus only on what the other person did. Their contributions were noteworthy therefore, you hear, ” what are we going to do now that they have gone? ” Also, “we miss them sooooo much!” Sound familiar? 

We then feel inadequate, as though what we will bring to the table certainly won’t measure up, won’t be acknowledged, appreciated or valued. We are too scared to even try; to do our best in the place and position we now fill.

There is a saying that has had a impact on my life and it goes like this: ‘God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.’ This means that what God has called you to be, what He has called you, and only you to do, He, the Almighty One, the Great I Am, will give you strength and wisdom to accomplish your task, perform your role. The reason? To give Him glory.

Therefore, focus less on what the last person did and how well they did it and focus solely on what it is that you have to do. God has put you in that position and place for a reason, so look upward, ask for courage and strength so that you can walk in your own shoes.

Remember, the other person could well have different size feet to your own so trying to fill their shoes will make for an uncomfortable experience for you. Walk in your own shoes, thus ensuring that whatever you do encounter along the way, you are more readily able to deal with it; with God’s help.

Until next time.

Love & Blessings