Forgive me for this entry will bypass several of the first few pages in Ms. Sherman's book. I will return to review the beginning in a subsequent entry.
The fabulous, or creme de la creme, need not fear those around them. Becoming the best that you can be relies heavily on your level of self-confidence. Only those who are marvelously intrepid may truly rise to the top as they are not afraid of a little competition (in fact they often aid the "competition" in their journeys to success). Ms. Sherman makes this notion abundantly clear. Shall we run the race of life with no adversaries in sight? To eliminate all forms of competition is to accept complacency (and as I stated before to be fabulous is to be anything but stagnant).
A few weeks ago I was on the hunt for a new job with a friend of mine. We went to the same establishments, applied for the same openings, and even were given interviews for the same positions. There was one job I was certain was mine. I had provided a well thought out resume, thanked interviewers for their time, and followed up with genuine interest. After contemplating all the responsibilities and details of the position I decided to decline the offer. My friend, as far as I know, has yet to hear from them. I feel as if I could have significantly changed the outcome of her situation. Hence my decision to focus on competition and the fear of failure for this entry.
Yesterday morning I decided to help my friend with her resume. I woke up early, grabbed my laptop, and headed over to her house. I had told her several days before this was my intention so there were no surprises when I showed up to her door ready to work. She, however, was not only distracted by her children (understandably so) but seemed incredibly timid when I helped her put into words all the great things she has done. This woman has a lot of potential but unless she releases her inhibitions she will forever be trapped in her current state of unhappiness.
According to Ms. Sherman you have to truly want to be fabulous in order to become fabulous. The fear of failure is often enough to make one hold back. If you do not give your all then if failure comes it is easier to accept. You might think to yourself "I never really wanted that job anyway," or "I didn't do my best because I knew it wouldn't be worth it." STOP. Stop these thoughts right now and the rest of the negative internal dialogue you might have along with them. You can do it - it's easier than you think.
I want you to think of three positives about yourself. I am reminded of the movie The Help in which there is a certain mantra repeated to a little girl: "I is kind, I is smart, I is special." I am sure you can think of at least three things but if you need help ask a close friend. Now of course I would like you to choose a phrase that is grammatically correct (but you get the idea). The next time negative self-talk wanders through your mind I want you to immediately say "STOP," and then repeat those three positives about yourself. You may do it out loud, you may do it internally, but it is important that you do.
When the fear of failure creeps into your head again remind yourself of how great you truly are. When you feel threatened by the success of your colleagues don't worry about their actions - focus on your own. Remind yourself that they are the rabbits we must use to pace ourselves and let them help you bring out the best that you truly can be.
No comments:
Post a Comment