We are all here on earth for a brief time so you need to make the best use of it. In theory, as with many things in life, that sounds wonderful but in practice individuals often flounder when it comes to realizing, defining and accepting both their strengths AND weaknesses. We are taught from an early age to be modest and humble and not necessarily tout what we know we are good at since that can come across as braggadocios. We also are under the impression that showcasing what typically trips us up is also a “no-no”.
For many people that I have worked with and mentored, the story that has been playing in their minds on repeat either empowers or cripples them, there seems to be a very thin middle ground. The principles that you believe around who you are and what you are worth can make you a winner or a loser in your life, regardless of your circumstances or your current status or your upbringing. Your mind can prove to be the weakest or strongest of vessels. However, one of the biggest nuggets of wisdom I share with my clients is that you cannot navigate life’s proverbial waters alone. Those who choose to be the sole captain of their ship end up simply traveling in circles (or worse yet sinking).
Most of us pride ourselves on our self-sufficiency. We like to be responsible for taking care of ourselves and pulling our own weight in the world. This is why it can be so challenging when we find ourselves in a situation in which we have to rely on someone else. I am telling you here and now that it is a MUST for you to be able to build and sustain a network of connections (personal and professional) that supports and uplifts you and can offer you The Power of HOW.
Say what? The Power of HOW? Yes, in learning from others HOW they walked (or are currently doing so) through their journey you too can gain inspiration and infuse the path ahead. Being open to what others before you or alongside of you have experienced allows you to be fully present and mindful of what you can do with a little know-HOW.
We all aspire to hone our craft, pursue our creative genius and live the dream. The more diligently we apply ourselves to those tasks related to our long-term goals, the more likely it is that we will be able to prevail over adversity in order to achieve those dreams we have nurtured in our souls.
So ask yourself:
Who in your tribe do you consider a role model? Ask them to explain HOW they view themselves (past, present and future) and HOW their unique story is part of what they are currently doing in life (or pursuing).
Who in your circle of friends is someone you can trust and rely on for honest and direct opinions and advice? Ask them HOW they view you and what they believe you are best known for and HOW they would describe you to others?
Who in your sphere of peers is someone who embodies a skill or characteristic that you greatly respect? Ask them HOW they have leveraged those traits and what role they may have played in their successes.
Often by asking others around you HOW they built their business, HOW they overcame hurdles or HOW they pushed through tough circumstances we learn about a different perspective which in turn opens us up to new possibilities and a less traveled path towards fulfilling our own potential. The Power of HOW is all about looking for a spark that initiates the very change that ends up fueling a stronger version of yourself in the future.
