Someone along the way might have told you that it was wrong to think you were special. Perhaps they made you feel arrogant or self-centered for focusing on your dreams or believing you were better at something than others. Let me set the record straight right now: You are special.

Welcome to Success Sundays with Harrison! I’m your host, Harrison Wilder. I’m a corporate strategist, entrepreneur, and executive MBA graduate from George Washington University. With experience managing multi-million dollar companies and advising top-level executives, I’m here to provide you with practical insights that will help you excel as a leader in today’s fast-paced business environment.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful and often controversial belief: the mindset that you are special. Let’s explore how embracing this belief can unlock your potential and help you reach your dreams.

The Power of Believing You Are Special

Have you ever noticed that successful people often talk about themselves in ways that seem bold or self-inflated? Some people may think, “Who do they think they are?” or “Do they really think they’re that special?” The answer is yes, they do—and that belief is paying off for them.

A friend of mine, whom I affectionately call Unleash Larry, embodies this mindset. He believes he is special. And guess what? That belief has propelled him to success. On the other hand, Confine Carl—someone who doesn’t think too highly of himself—struggles to reach his full potential because he’s constantly second-guessing his worth.

Recently, I received criticism for a post where I shared how special I believe I am. Some people didn’t like that, but I shared it anyway because it’s the truth. My dad instilled in me the belief that I was special from a young age, and it shaped my life. It helped me make better decisions, such as avoiding destructive behaviors during my teenage years. I believed I was destined for something significant, and that belief kept me on the right path.

But not everyone wants you to think you’re special. In fact, many people have likely told you the opposite: “Don’t think you’re so special.” These are the Confine Carls of the world, trying to keep you from seeing yourself for who you really are. It’s nothing new—this has been happening for thousands of years.

The Story of Joseph: A Biblical Lesson on Uniqueness

Take the story of Joseph from the Bible, for example. Joseph had dreams that revealed he was destined to rise above his brothers, and that one day they would bow down to him. Whether or not it was wise to share these dreams with his family is debatable, but one thing is clear: his brothers despised him for thinking he was special. They were so threatened by his dreams that they sold him into slavery.

However, Joseph never gave up on his belief. Even in the worst of circumstances—whether as a slave or a prisoner—he excelled because he believed he was special. Eventually, Joseph’s dream came true. He became the second most powerful man in Egypt, and his brothers did bow down to him.

Joseph’s story shows us how crucial it is to hold on to the belief that you are special, no matter how much opposition you face.

The “Shushers” of the World

In today’s world, we are often surrounded by people I call “shushers.” These are the individuals who feel the need to silence your dreams and visions, just like Captain Smek from the movie Home. They discourage you from thinking big, telling you to “shush” whenever you dare to dream. This could be your family, mentors, or even well-meaning friends.

For example, consider the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who believed that if he could get Jesus’ attention, he would be healed. When Bartimaeus cried out, people—including Jesus’ own disciples—tried to silence him, essentially asking, “Who do you think you are?” But Bartimaeus believed he was special, and Jesus recognized that faith, healing him instantly.

Shushers have been around for a long time, but the most dangerous shusher of all is the one inside you. Some of us have been surrounded by negativity for so long that we’ve started silencing ourselves, even before we allow our dreams to take shape. It’s time to stop shushing yourself.

Let’s pause for a moment. Say out loud: I am special.

Allow yourself to believe it again. Embrace the childlike faith that you can do anything and become anyone you want. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of having faith like a child—believing without doubt that you are capable of greatness.

Now imagine the impact we could all have if we embraced our dreams and truly believed we were special. The world would change for the better.

This Week’s Success Challenge

If you want to be successful and achieve your dreams, you need to develop a strong mindset. And a crucial part of that mindset is the belief that you are special.

Here’s your challenge for this week: Find a mirror, look yourself dead in the eye, and tell yourself, I am special. Do this at least three times a day. Repeat it until you start believing it, because that belief will transform your life.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of Success Sundays. Remember, great leaders and great businesses are built on the foundation of self-belief and effective communication.

If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes, leave them in the comments below. My team and I would love to hear from you and create content that’s relevant to your journey.

Until next time, believe in your uniqueness and embrace your potential. For more insights, visit speakingschool.com and grab my free Elite Business Success Toolkit, just for trying out our speaking school membership.