Many
times in life, we feel like an imposter. We feel we are not as equipped or
capable as we are. In other words, we feel like we are a pretender and not a
contender! We believe we will be found wanting if we attempted to do something
new or harder. The good news is many of overcome these feelings and succeed.
This got me thinking out loud about how we move from pretension to contention!
Often
when we are faced with a new challenge, job, or opportunity, the unspoken
question is “Can I?” Nothing better illustrates this than every fall when millions
of young (or not so young!) people start college. Whether they say it loud or
not, they are asking many “Can I” questions.
- Can I handle the work academically?
- Can I succeed socially?
- Can I make an impact while I am here?
- Can I find my “why”?
Many
of us ask similar questions later in life when faced with bigger jobs, newer
roles, or trying something new. Here’s the thing, asking “Can I?” is natural.
It probably is an evolutionary fail-safe that keeps us out of trouble in
situations like wondering if I am a good enough skier to handle the steepest
and fastest runs versus the beginner’s slope (that answer for me is NO by the
way!). But short of life-threatening situations, the answer is often YES! So here
are some things to think about to move yourself from pretender to contender.
Focus
on the POSITIVES. Speaker and author Paul Martinelli encourages us to ask, ‘What
is the BEST that can happen?” as opposed to our usual “What is the worst that
can happen?” when confronted with a new opportunity. The first is empowering
while the latter often stops us cold!
Focus
on SOLUTIONS. Leadership expert John Maxwell encourages us to change the
paradigm. Instead of asking “Can I?”, try asking “HOW Can I?”. In other words,
look at a new role or opportunity as a puzzle to be solved. Working the
problem is far more productive than enlarging the problem!
Focus
on MINDSET. We become what we think about. If you believe you are a contender,
then you will marshal the resources to become one. Even if you are not 100%
equipped (and whoever is?) for what you are facing, the right mindset and
attitude can help carry you the rest of the way.
Focus
on EQUIPPING. I have often advised young professionals to seek roles that may
be a bit bigger than what their current skills levels match to stretch
themselves. If what they HAVE as foundational (i.e. integrity, strong
work ethic, learner’s mindset, strong communicator, etc.) than much of what is NEEDED
is informational which can be learned and obtained.
The point of all of this
is you are far more equipped and capable than you give yourself credit for. So,
seek the larger, bigger, or better! Believe you are a contender and you will
be!
As always if I can help you and the
people you associate with Get Better, Be Ready and LEAD OUT LOUD, I would
invite you to email me or to visit my website below and see if any of the
training or coaching experiences I offer can provide an impact! Also, as a
bonus, if you go to my Out Loud Strategies website (www.outloudinc.com) and enter your contact information, I will
send you a FREE guide to establishing a mentoring initiative program in your
organization! Such an initiative would be critical to add value to your
organization!
Yours in Leadership,
Bill Faulkner
Principal Consultant –
Out Loud Strategies
Independent Coach,
Speaker, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team TM
Email = bill@outloudinc.com
Visit our website
at: www.outloudinc.com
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