Appropriate Advocacy | How to Become Better by Being Honest with Yourself and Others

There are a lot of frustrating things in this world.

As a society, we are often-times plagued by things very much out of our control.

In fact, I would argue that being or even just feeling "out of control" is the root of all stresses. We are hardwired to feel safe, secure, when we have a complete understanding of our environment and the systems that comprise it. Furthermore, we achieve the pinnacle of actualization when we are able to move freely within those systems, without unjust burden or resistance.

So, where does that leave us?

We're pretty much stressed out constantly.

I mean, just take one step outside and you're immediately hit with obstacles that seemingly have no purpose, other than to completely and precisely inconvenience you. And often, those obstacles are systematic- they are built in to the very fibers that comprise society. Yeah, you could just go around or break through these obstacles, but that would, by definition, make one a rule-breaker, a criminal.

Okay, so, we have obstacles in our lives that are unjust and we can't just eliminate them outright, because that would compromise our ability to freely move within our environment. What do we do?

We advocate.

The word is derived from the Medieval Latin word, "Advocare", which means "to summon, or to call to one's aid." It's modern interpretation is more akin to giving or creating support for a cause or policy. This support usually stands in opposition to current norms or established regulations.

So, advocacy is the catalyst for change. It stems from a deep sense of integrity, both for others and with ourselves. It is the basis of honest and progressive communication. Without advocacy, we wouldn't move forward as a culture.

Okay, so that's the big picture.

How does this actually apply to my life and my career?

Let me give you an example:

In a previous job, I made it clear that I wanted to work as much as possible and work in all the departments. I did this by saying yes to every request for shift coverage, being enthusiastic when more was added to my plate, and just generally being an over-the-top asset.

I made it into every department, except for one.

I finally got the word that I could email the department. I was elated- I emailed right away with my experience, the gear I had, etc.

And...I didn't hear anything back for a week and a half.

I did eventually get a return email, but it was gruff and dismissive.

This trend continued , until I eventually got the "it's not gonna happen" email. Mind you, it took another two weeks of emailing to even get to this point.

No matter what I said, no matter what I did, this person was determined to say no.

Naturally, this was extremely disheartening. My fiancée can attest to the fact that this one chain of emails occupied my every thought, for weeks.

So, what do you do when you hit a brick wall? You advocate for yourself.

I reevaluated where I was, taking inventory of whether or not I was qualified.

There were things I had to be trained on, as with all things, but I was absolutely qualified for the job.

I then took inventory of my emails that I had sent.

I had explored every avenue and conducted myself professionally.

So, now it was time to cease dialogue and to get help from other departments.

I spoke with another department head that I was on good terms with, and simply asked if I was in the wrong, somehow, and if there was anything I could do.

"I really want to be in this department. You know I can work hard and that I'm capable."

The response was a swift and decisive, "I'm not sure why they're acting this way, let me help you."

Within a few days, I had received an email, from the head of the department in question, welcoming me to the team.

HA!

Advocacy.

Always, always, always advocate for yourself.

It requires much of us- brutal honestly, completely leaving our comfort zones, having hard conversations- yeah, it can really suck.

But it's worth it every time!

If I believed that I wasn't qualified for the work, I could've just sat back and been content with the departments I was working in- but I didn't want that.

So, a change needed to happen, that went in direct contrast to the narrative I was given. What do you do? You change it. And you change it by advocating for it.

Advocating is the crossroads of passion and persistence.

It is what drives us to the future.

Now, go do it.