LIFT UP January 10th, 2024
Please, stop underestimating yourself!
You may think, Allison, really?
That’s the advice you want to share to launch the first Lift Up of 2024?
YES. I do.
I believe that in today’s high-paced, high-pressure world, it’s too easy to forget your strengths.
The more talented you are, the easier it is to take your gifts for granted.
My coaching clients often tell me stories and skim over the most important parts.
They don’t skip the details of the situation, rather they breeze by the magic that they bring to the situation.
- The insightful comment that rolled off their tongue with ease but, for their listener, created a powerful shift in perspective.
- The thoughtful approach they thought was no big deal but was the key to disarming a contentious situation before it escalated.
- The confidence they displayed walking into a tough conversation with a client or team member that, six weeks earlier, would have derailed them with worry for days.
- The presence, smile, or kind words they offered without realizing the positive ripple effect their kindness inspired.
What about you?
Do you gloss over your positive attributes or take them for granted?
Are you so focused on today’s problems that you forget to acknowledge all the other problems you’ve already solved or the impressive ways in which you overcame them?
Have you lost sight of how much you’ve grown personally and professionally?
Imagine my concept of the Ice Cube that Became the Snowman that illustrates how destructive stress is self-created.
How much less snow do you pack around your issues today compared to six months or three years ago?
As a coach, I see people take their natural talents and growth for granted a lot. I believe one of my roles is to highlight their wins so that my clients can continue to repeat those positive behaviours.
“Woah-woah-woah,” I’ll say. “Before you keep going, did you hear what you just said? That’s powerful. Let’s take a moment to bask in that win and to recognize how well you handled that.”
The typical response is along the lines of:
“Oh, I didn’t think of it like that.”
- I know, that’s why you have me to highlight your gifts.
“Yeah, but everyone knows that – it’s obvious isn’t it?!”
- Ha – no, that perspective you have or talent you possess is not easy for others.
“I didn’t realize that was a big deal.”
- Yes, your brilliance IS a big deal!
So, as 2024 has launched into the full swing of new possibilities, I challenge you to take notice.
Stop underestimating the ways in which you are exceptional and purposefully take a moment (or many) to revel in those talents.
Even if it’s just recognizing a small win of handling a simple situation just a little bit better than you did the day before – kudos to you.
Allison “Will Not Underestimate Your Brilliance” Graham
P.S. Reply to this email to let me know one (or all) of the following:
- that my email made it to your focused inbox
- a talent or small win that you’ve paused to acknowledge because of this LiftUp
- any topics you want me to cover in this year’s Lift Ups or social media posts
- if you saw my new SPEAKER DEMO REEL that launched yesterday!
