If you knew me the way my creator knows me, you probably wouldn’t respect me. You would know everything I have ever done, the good, the bad, the embarrassing. Every decision and every mistake. It would be too much. But the same is true for you. If I knew everything about you, I would see the things you are proud of and the things you hope no one ever finds out. That is the beauty of being human. We are all deeply flawed, yet we still afford each other dignity and respect.
Accepting Our Flaws
The moment we realise we are human, with all our weaknesses and failures, something powerful happens. We stop pretending to be perfect. We stop chasing approval. And we start striving for excellence instead. My mentor once told me, “You are not that great. Your gift is great, but you are not that great.” That truth grounds me every single day. It reminds me how easy it is to make a wrong choice and how we are all just one decision away from doing something foolish.
Your Gift Is Not Yours Alone
I believe with everything in me that every person is born with a gift. Something unique. Something that gives your life meaning. But here is the part we often forget: a gift is given. You did not earn it. You did not create it. It was placed in you by your creator.
When people tell me after a talk, “You speak so well,” I remind myself that is not me. That is my gift. It is something I have worked to refine and develop, yes, but it is not something I own. The moment I start believing it is all me, I cross into arrogance. The moment I remember it was given to me, I stay grounded.
The Work Comes After the Gift
Once you recognise your gift, the real work begins. You have to develop it, grow it, and fine tune it. That takes effort, study, and discipline. But working on your gift is not where it ends. The purpose of your gift is not for self gain. It is meant to serve others.
If you only use your gift to advance yourself, it becomes empty. But when you use it to help people and bring value to their lives, it takes on meaning. My ability to speak and communicate is not just for me, it is a responsibility. I must use it to teach, inspire, and uplift others.
Finding Purpose in Your Gift
Every person has a gift. The question is, have you found yours? Because if not, you risk moving through life just existing. Eating, sleeping, working, consuming. That is not living. You were created for more.
Your gift is your purpose in motion. Discover it, refine it, and use it well. And remember, it was given to you for a reason.
Dr Imraan Choonara is a global keynote speaker, leadership strategist, entrepreneur, and mentor with nearly three decades of experience empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.
His work has impacted thousands of lives across more than 30 countries—including the UAE, Malaysia, South Africa, and beyond. As a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader, Dr Imraan brings firsthand experience of building and growing ventures, allowing him to speak not just from theory—but from the trenches of real-world business.
A Maxwell Leadership Certified team member, Imraan is known for blending corporate insight with entrepreneurial acumen and timeless human values. He brings a unique energy and clarity to every stage, meeting room, and coaching session, inspiring transformation from the inside out.
If you’re ready to focus on personal growth, strengthen your leadership, or inspire your team, Contact Dr Imraan Choonara to assist. Book a one-on-one session with Dr Imraan Choonara to develop yourself intentionally, or invite him for a speaking engagement to motivate and guide your team toward personal excellence.
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By Dr Imraan Choonara
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