In order to be considered a “Diamond in the Rough,” you must already be a diamond. Now, I’m not known for relationship advice but, this popped and I thought it was important to share. Far too many individuals get into relationships with men and women who look like diamonds but in actuality, they are a cubic zirconia. The thing about cubic zirconia’s is that they make you think they are one thing when they are another. On the outside, they look just as good as the real thing but when put to the test, they just don’t add up.
Cubic zirconia’s don’t have the same value as diamonds. Cubic zirconia’s don’t have the same beauty as diamonds (diamonds are sparkling and beautiful all the way through in side and out). Cubic zirconia’s are just fake diamonds and if you only go by what you see, you will settle for a cubic zirconia mate and never have the real thing. Now you may be thinking, so how do I know the difference and how do I spot a diamond in the rough? Well, here are five thoughts that come to mind from Dream Chaser #1:
1. What are their dreams?
When you ask them about their dreams, what do they say? If all they talk about is money, clothes, cars and other materialistic items and have no plans on how they are going to get them, it is likely you have a cubic zirconia. A diamond in the rough has vision and although they may want materialistic items, they think in larger terms. Diamonds in the rough talk like they can change the world when they make their dreams come true. Their dreams don’t only improve things just for them, they also impact others. Most importantly, they want to know what your dreams are and want to help you make your dreams a reality too.
2. How much progress do they make towards what they say are their dreams?
A diamond in the rough is rarely in the same place six months to a year after they tell you a dream they want to pursue. Diamonds make moves and take action on their dreams to make them reality. If you have been with someone for a year or longer, think about all the things they planned to do. Have they accomplished what they said or have they procrastinated, given up or changed course for the umpteenth time? You see, a diamond in the rough is always trying to get out of the rough so that their true potential can shine, cubic zirconias don’t know any better.
3. When they take on a project, how do they do?
The next time your mate decides to do a project, any project, watch them! Do they finish the project or stop when things get difficult and put it off for another day? (For some of you reading this, the question is, do they even take on any projects because they are too worried about their manicure.) To me, the term “Diamond in the rough” denotes potential. Potential is shown in both the big things we do and in the small things (I would venture to say, especially in the small things). What may seem like a simple project may be a sign of what they will do when larger projects present themselves. It’s not so much about how someone does something as much as it’s about getting the job done.
4. Will they help you?
One of the best qualities of a diamond in the rough is that they will support you. Actually, for some diamonds in the rough their purpose is to help you shine. These are some of the best types of diamond, the ones that accent others to make them look better. Not every diamond has to be the Hope diamond; sometimes it’s about filling those gaps to make another diamond stand out. A cubic zirconia just fades into the background when it’s not about them. There is nothing special about them that adds beauty so when it is not about them they don’t have as much interest. If you are trying to do something, anything and your mate is not standing by your side, pushing you along, clearing a path, or cheering from the stands, two words, cubic zirconia.
5. How do they deal with failure?
As you know, even the best ideas fail but there is a distinct difference between a diamond in the rough and a cubic zirconia when failure occurs. A diamond in the rough, maintains that sparkle in their eye, they move on to a new idea, they trace their steps back and try to figure out where they went wrong, they talk it out, they ask for feedback, they pray, they do something that will help them to move forward. Diamonds understand that failures give us a learning lesson for future endeavors and they are optimistic and looking forward to the next shot at their dreams. On the other hand, for the cubic zirconia, failure can be the straw that breaks the camels back. They hang their heads down and complain about all the reasons things didn’t turn out right, they blame everyone else, until the next time they decide to ‘half do’ an idea.
This is the most important thing, pressure makes diamonds, and pressure also busts pipes. You will never make a cubic zirconia into a diamond. A cubic zirconia can only be a cubic zirconia. However, a Diamond in the Rough is already a diamond, it just needs to be cut right and polished to allow its natural beauty to shine through and remember, Diamonds are forever.
Thanks for reading my thoughts, please share and follow me on twitter @neeverstpdrming.com and for more Dream Energizers, visit my website, www.neverstpdrming.com.
Never Stop Dreaming!
© 2012 – 2013, Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad. All rights reserved.
Abdul-Rahmaan Ibn Muhammad is more than a motivational or inspirational speaker. He has more to offer than a keynote address or a positive message. He is more than just talk and believes that action always speaks louder than words. He is a Dream Chaser.
