As a coach, I love asking people to look “outside the box.” I don’t typically use that actual language because it’s over played. But coming up with the idea that’s new, or different, or outside their comfort zone, holds a lot of possibility because it’s beyond what they already know. So it’s often my jam.
But not today.
Coming from our automatic, our default – the thing we do without thinking – can be limiting if we do it everywhere, all the time. But it also has its place. And it’s power!
So today let’s look it square in the face and leverage it to our benefit. After all, it got us here. And whether that’s being an ongoing member of this chapter, or being a visitor here in this room for the first time, it certainly ain’t bad. Not by a long shot.
So what’s that thing you’re reliable for? That thing you’re so dependable for that you can do it with your eyes closed? The thing you may have even built your reputation on? Is it being organized – able to build a spreadsheet to lay out almost anything? Is it the ability to make a solid first impression? I know we’ve got some charmers in here. Maybe it’s that you always hit your numbers, or put people at ease, or make them laugh, or close the deal, or simply get people’s attention.
Whatever it is, write down the following sentence. “If there’s one thing I can do when it comes to my business, it’s _________.”
Great!
Today, I want you to embrace that thing you just wrote down. But, I want you to take it to the next level and leverage it.
Daniel, I know from first hand experience how truly dependable you are. That you are literally “the printer we can count on.” But does everyone know that? Consider how you can play that card even more so. Maybe you could reference your dependability even more so in your commercials and your marketing.
Amy, for you, perhaps it’s versatility. You can twirl a baton, bake a cake, fundraise, and do algebra. Ok, I made the last one up but it’s probably true. So how can you leverage your incredibly diverse range of skills even more effectively? Maybe it’s creating humor in what you’d “be willing to do to feed a hungry child,” in service of eradicating poverty on the planet?”
The best part about this aspect of you is that it’s obvious! You likely know exactly what it is.
And just in case you’re a bit uncertain, you can access it by asking for feedback in your next meeting or 121.
So yes, spend some time outside your comfort zone. But also leverage the stuff you can rock better than anyone.
It’s a part of us. A powerful part.
And let’s face it, it works!
