No matter what you want you already have what it takes.
Yep. No kidding.
If you believed that with all your heart – I mean really wrapped your brain around it – what might you do differently today?
Well, I say, “Go for it!”
“Just be yourself.” This phrase has been said countless times to people who are fretting about doing the right thing, whether they are thinking about how to behave in a relationship, speak in front of a group, or socialize at a party. It has been said so often that, unfortunately, many have stopped listening to that advice. But what if following it meant an increase in your success and happiness? Would that get your attention?
Dr. James Pawelski, executive director of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), has observed that one of the major elements to happiness is that of a “eudemonic” approach. This means that people are happiest when they are cultivating and applying their character strengths and virtues. Sounds like “being yourself, “doesn’t it?
How to Be You and Me
However, before acting on your strengths and virtues, you have to know what those are. Here are some tips for getting in touch with your best qualities:
- Make a list. Think about times when you’ve been most proud of yourself, and write down a few words for each event that describes the qualities that you were most proud of. For example, if you’re proud of being a confidant at your workplace, you might cite “trustworthiness” and “good listener” as your strengths.
- Watch them in action. After you’ve made your list, spend each day for the next couple weeks looking to see where those qualities come into play and pat yourself on the back when you notice them.
- Put them to work. If it seems like you’re in situations where you don’t get to use these qualities, specifically look for or create occasions where you can. Good with people but find yourself in an isolated job? Maybe it’s time you threw a party!
Without realizing it, we sometimes compare ourselves to others and find ourselves lacking. Watch what happens when you focus on appreciating your innate talents instead.
Being who you are is more than enough.
I promise you, if not today, then sometime soon, you will be moved to ask, “What did I do to deserve so much?”
Do you know what my answer to your question would be? “So many things, yet not a single one of them really matter.”
You were born deserving.
Only aim at the targets you want to hit.
Other people may tell you, “You’d be perfect for this,” or “I’m sure you’ll love it,” but life is too important to leave it up to others to choose what’s right for you.
So get ready, take aim at what you want, and fire away!
Do you know what you look like to me?
A star.
A big, bright, shining superstar.
Rock on!
Thank you.
For being who you are.
For doing what you do.
And for making the world a better place to live, by simply showing up.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Has anyone ever told you, since you are so special, you naturally make the rest of us feel special too?
True story. Your good juju seems to rub off on whoever you’re around.
So cut a wide swath.
We’ll all be better for it.
You are amazing.
You know things that others don’t know. You do things that others can’t do. You are the best at who you are.
Please don’t change a thing. You have nothing to prove.
In fact, I think you owe yourself a big “thank you.”
Something I have learned (but admittedly, don’t always practice) is that knowing when to say no is critical to being able to say yes to what’s really important.
Saying yes to every request dissipates your gifts and distracts your attention.
A respectful no, in proper doses, can work wonders.
A respectful no, without excuse or apology, is a rare form of genius.
And you’re one smart cookie, no?
Are you waiting for the stars to align? For the oceans to part? For some sort of nudge to tell you that the time is finally right for you to do what you really want to do?
Sometimes all we need is a sign in order to be ready, right?
Well, this is it. Today’s the day.
yes. Yes. YES! Go forth and do great things.
It’s time.
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