What makes a good vitiligo investigator?
When speaking to people about the IVIA program there is often excessive excitement and enthusiasm to start. Sometimes this is simply because they have seen nothing like what we are doing and the way we are doing it, but other times it is indicative of something else. So what makes a good investigator who will actually be able to help us make a massive contribution to vitiligo investigation? Here are some mentality shifts that are definitely required
1. I am responsible for what happens to me. The point is to take complete ownership of your situation from this point on. There should be no possibility of blaming external factors when things do not go as planned. Equally there should be a healthy sense of confidence when your actions lead to a reduction in the white marks or you have a positive impact on others.
2. I can always control my responses to things. The events in your life are never under your control but the response to the events have never not been under your control. Calm, controlled and correct responses to the smallest and biggest things that happen to you create the type of person whose investigations will be of value
3. There is always one more thing I can do. Maybe the biggest difference between a vitiligo investigator and a normal person with vitiligo is that you cannot say “I have tried everything and it doesn't work” while it sounds comforting to say things like that it kills the curiosity and open mindedness required to be of service in this project. Additionally…WE KNOW YOU DID NOT TRY EVERYTHING.
4. I know many things about vitiligo. As a person with the condition you know many things about it. While you are not a doctor or medical professional. Your experiences , observations and personal nuances with vitiligo have unlimited value either mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally or psychologically for others. You should not undervalue this.
5. I can teach others something. Adding to the previous point. You must be ready to share what you know and feel capable of transmitting the information well. Do not assume that other people already know what you know. This community is in need of teachers and the fact that you are even reading this strongly implies you can be one of them.
These are only the first 5 points of a total 15. It is strongly advised to study the first five deeply and identify where you feel you disagree.
