Every single summer, I sit in the pool and read the book, “The Big Leap.” Why? Because of five years later, every time I read it, I STILL see myself sabotaging my success as I hit my upper limits.
As humans, we all have a place where we feel most “comfortable.” Kind of like in weight loss, our bodies have a natural set weight, we have a natural set space in our life!
It’s really easy to get comfortable; to get into a “rhythm” (otherwise known as a rut). I find this in my life all the time! I get into a daily routine (good or bad). I get into a weekly routine (good or bad). And those routines tend to become my “way of life.” My winter routines are sleeping in longer than normal. Frequently spending more time inside at my desk working. Enjoying more comfort food. Making an occasional mug of hot apple cider. And ultimately, gaining a few extra pounds with both the winter and the holidays.
But then summer comes. The days are long. The weather is warm. I spend more time outside. I am more active. I eat lighter foods, and I feel like I enjoy so much more in the summer. On my favorite summer day, I lay by the pool and read a great business book – which is probably the reason “The Big Leap” is every summer must!
But the thing that I remind myself over and over again each summer when I read the book (even though I’ve already read it – and TOTALLY know so many of the ways I’m self-sabotaging), that I will finally make some changes.
How are you going to “show up” in 2020?
Today, I saw a simple Instagram post from my Junior League of Las Vegas chapter asking this question. And it’s something that I think about on a large scale all the time, but don’t REALLY think about on a smaller scale nearly often enough.
Whether we realize it or not, we all have a personal brand! We are known for being smart, sophisticated, funny, kind, helpful, self-centered – any number of things. Often our personal brand is built very unknowingly. We show up and just “are” but we end up being KNOWN for how we are.
So, this is a really good time to take a step back.
What do you want to ACCOMPLISH this year?In business?In your personal life?In your community?In your relationships?
What do you VALUE that you want to give more to this year? Time? Money?Philanthropy?Community?Friendships?
How do you want people to see you this year?Generous with your time and/or money?Someone of your word who does what you say you are going to do?A loyal friend that people can count on?A wise, helpful business associate lifting others up in their quest for excellence?
An example, my husband, Mike often feels like I am too tough. I have high standards. I expect a lot from those around me (and really really try to GIVE a lot to those around me). Often in a conversation, Mike will try to “pacify” me and will say yes to something he has no intention of doing. This ends up being a really bad situation on both sides. First, I’m making Mike feel like he has to say yes, even if he doesn’t want to. Second, he’s showing me that his word doesn’t mean anything, because he doesn’t intend to follow through. This exchange and break down in our integrity happens almost instantaneously. Neither of us thinks about how we or the other person feels at that moment. But as soon as Mike doesn’t do what he said he was going to do, believe me, it becomes crystal clear to both of us how we got there!
Your personal brand is YOU! You are your personal brand! You can either control it, and build it consciously, or you can allow it to be created by accident – whether it’s really who you want to be or not. So take a moment. Write down how you want people to see you – this year and beyond. And make sure that your ACTIONS line up with that desire.
Tell me in the comments – how do YOU want to be seen this year?
