Be Bright

It’s quite common to find people holding back on putting their best foot forward because they don’t want to feel like they are putting their head above the parapet. You don’t want to be visibly annoying but you don’t be afraid to be bright. Here’s a start.

Build your boldness: Sometimes you won’t know the value of what you have till you contribute it. Doubts may try to tie you down but resist them. There will never be zero fear so always replace fear with action. Do what you’ve got to do even whilst afraid. Refuse to talk yourself out of doing what you could do.

Raise your relevance:  Understand your environment clearly in order to gauge what will be your best work that matches the need around you. That understanding also means that you know where to add to your abilities so that your relevance increases and you get to present your highest and best use.

Inspire yourself: Don’t think that inspiration is about having goosebumps. It’s often simply getting on with it especially when it’s hard- keeping yourself going. You’ve got to be able to count on yourself 100%. Put yourself in the driver’s seat. Don’t leave it totally to others to determine the pace at which you progress.

Grow your growth: Work on yourself and multiply your improvements. Focus on getting better and better, Feed your mind, build skills and engage in things that will strengthen your confidence. Rediscover any interests and passions that may have gone into hibernation because of inertia. Make it a habit to road-test any new strengths.

Helping that highlights: Make ‘helping’ a principle that you live by. As you do, not only do you support someone but you learn more about what you are good at and also shine a light on those. So reach out and help someone with the good you’ve got.

Turn to the right team: Watch the company you keep. As they say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Stay around those doing what you want to do; those who are showing the way you know you should go in.

Now take action: Who are the 5 people you should be around more often? n