Are you "Doing a Good Job" or Are You Being Real?
Posted on January 31, 2013 by Beena Kavalam, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
What opens up when you stop focusing on "doing a good job" and start focusing on giving your true best self?
Years ago, I was asked to be a last minute replacement panelist for a women’s conference at my alma mater. Although I was told it would be a small group and informal, when I got there I was asked to give a 5-10 min speech to the crowd of 400 students and conference attendees.
I smiled on the outside, but internally, I freaked out.
When it was finally my turn, I got up to the podium and …completely froze. After a few moments of stunned silence, I took a breath. I heard a voice inside me say “just be yourself and give.” I realized I needed to stop focusing on me and start focusing on giving and being of service.
So, I talked for the next 15 minutes from the heart. I have absolutely no idea what I said. It’s frankly a complete blur. All I remember is connecting with the students and seeing their heads nod as something resonated and hearing their laughter as I said something funny.
When I stopped focusing on “doing a good job” and instead focused on being of service and helping others, the nervousness and anxiety melted away. After that speech, I got a lot of thank you emails from students (apparently I gave out my email address mid-speech!). They were grateful that someone was honest and open with them and didn’t really care that I wasn’t polished or in a designer business suit.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
The speech taught me that I have a lot to offer the world…right now, just as I am. I can be the real, authentic me and make a difference.
So, how about you? What opens up when you stop focusing on “doing a good job” and start focusing on giving your true best self?
NEXT STEPS:
- Think about one action that you’ve been afraid to take for fear of failing or not being good enough.
- Journal about what is stopping you and what opens up when you take action.
- If you feel ready, take the action! You can do it… so go for it!
- Post to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PersonalRev) when you’ve completed this step, so I can give you a shout out! Holla!
If you want to talk with a personal coach who has been there (or if you’re curious about how coaching can help you), don’t hesitate!
Send an email to beena@personalrev.com with your name and phone number and we’ll setup time to talk through it.
Cheers to your Happiest Life,
Beena
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