Ready for another great week?
Years ago, I had a long talk with a great male mentor. We were talking about the dreaded work...intimidation.
His comment to me was something like, "You need to be able to stand up for what you believe and for doing the good job others know you will do. Sometimes that work may get you into a little hot water, because you are strong and competent. Don't ever shirk who you are because you are afraid it will make others uncomfortable."
He was right. Yes, I struggled with what he said, but he was right. I had some notable strengths that often made others feel a little uncomfortable. It's easier to talk about now that I'm older, but its really no different than the Mean Girls mentality that Lindsay Lohan's character Cady Heron dealt with. His advice was always clear - don't shirk, don't shirk, don't shirk. But do be respectful, kind and humble!
At some point after our conversation, I ran across this quote from Marianne Williamson., author of the book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course of Miracles." I loved it so much because it so deeply spoke to me that I printed it out and have it on my visor in my car. It will often come down and be read out loud by one of my twin daughters, who need to hear this message as much as I did than and do now.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
My hope for you is that this week you will take some time and reflect on the words in this segment and see if it might have some relevance in your life, the life of a family member, the life of a colleague. And if so, what can you do about it to help that person (who may just be you) find comfort in the God given strengths we have each been blessed with so that the gifts you have can be honestly and safely shared with others.
Ultimately, by sharing what makes you unique, you can encourage others to expand upon those skills that they have, as well as help them see where they need to go next.
Ready for a little more thought? Because if you started with a full cup of hot coffee, you can't be done just yet.
Are you ready to read a bit more? Watch a bit more? Share a little with others? Let's get started.....
* Read it.
This week's article is tangentially connected to this topic, so please give me a little editorial leeway. It has to do with a recent Harvard study about what makes adults happy and more successful, with points about social connections, quality relationships with others, and the value of these on your brain. Why did I share this one? Because when you are authentic and shine as you were intended, those connections and relationships can be much stronger.
Feel free to click and read, or use it as a discussion point with a team in a meeting. Thoughts? Read HERE.
* Watch It.
This week's video is on knowing your life's purpose, a TED Talk by Adam Leipzig. It's a mere 10 minutes (time for a refill????) and 12 million have viewed it, so if you don't take my word for it, try them!
* Share it.
Can you print these and share them? Notes to colleagues on key topics, such as perspective, make a huge difference.
Print in color on cardstock….practically free! Here are a couple to consider….and to give frequently. It’s up to us to remind others of their value of their perspectives, especially when they add them in meetings and in their daily work. Try these out for size…
Make it a great week!