You Are a Stradivarius

From the late 1600s into the mid 1700s, the Stradivari family crafted stringed instruments, particularly violins. Many consider them the finest ever made, and it is not unusual for one to sell for several million dollars.

There are many theories about the unique sound of a Strad, obviously the key one having to do with superior workmanship. The wood that was used was mostly from trees that grew in the Little Ice Age of that same period, as well as wood from northern Croatia, which in all cases grew more slowly and was therefore more dense. There is some evidence, as well, that the lacquer finishes and wood preservatives have been influential.

No two Strads are exactly the same, and all Strads are different from all other instruments. Each instrument is unique, as is its sound. And you’re just like that.

Each one of us carries the genetics of all who came before us. In my case that apparently includes about 4% Neanderthal, and if you’re of European descent, you’re likely about the same. Genes for eye color, freckles, musical aptitude, height, and a million other things, and each of us on the planet (unless you’re an identical twin) shares our exact mix with no one else.

But even if you are an identical twin, from the moment of birth forward you will be exposed to different experiences, even if your mother insists on dressing you identically. The older you grow, the more different you will become from your sibling, and there is some evidence that environmental factors impact you at a gene level, so that by the time you reach old age, you may in fact not be “identical twins” any more.

So here’s the thing: you can’t do anything about being different from everyone else in the world, no matter how hard you try. There are going to be things you’ll never do nearly as well as most others (check my handwriting, for example), but there are other things you can do far better than pretty well anyone you know. And your bundle of excellences, whether big or small, is unique on the planet. You are a Stradivarius in some fashion.

It’s what you do with your personal Strad that counts. You can beat your brains out trying to be something you were never meant to be, or you can figure out your unique set of Giftings and apply those, not just for your personal satisfaction, but for the benefit of the whole world, and in particular that subset who need the application of your excellence.

Happy to chat more about this — it’s what I do.