Full stop.

On the anniversary of the breaking of the Harvey Weinstein story and the explosion of the #metoo movement, I’ve been reminded time and again of the fact that women still don’t get the respect we deserve—nor do we honor ourselves very often.

We don’t make it a habit to celebrate ourselves, our strengths, and our accomplishments, perhaps because we still carry with us the idea that it would be selfish and/or prideful to do so, that it would come across as bragging, and we “should” at all times be modest.

Or maybe our negativity bias is so strong that the negatives tend to overshadow the positives in our brains.

what’s new + good?

This hesitation shows up over and over in my consults and client sessions, where we always begin with, “What’s new and good?”

The question initially surprises people, and it’s fascinating to watch how quickly something they start talking about as a positive turns negative or how they can’t think of a single thing until we discover in the “What feels challenging right now?” section of the call, when they reluctantly admit that they had one tiny success in the midst of a pile of perceived “failures.”

I was particularly struck by a conversation this week with a highly successful woman who didn’t hesitate when asked what was new and good: “I have an amazing career that I love, and I’m really good at my job: I took a very small company and made it, well, small—but we’re headed for greatness, and I know that I’m the one who made this happen.”

In a time when many very small companies don’t make it—and in a field where that’s especially true—what a huge accomplishment this is!

Pause. Complete shift in energy and tone. “Of course, I don’t say that to anyone because it sounds like bragging.”

Whattt???

Now, I don’t know about you, but if we were in a social situation and I asked someone what was good in their lives and they responded with her first sentence, I would not be turned off by it—I’d want to know more!

I’d probably think, “I’ll have what she’s having!”

And yes, I did tell her that next time, a full stop after the first sentence is perfectly fine.

Just as “No” is a full sentence, “I am amazing” is a full sentence. Full stop.

the law of attraction

It’s really true that we attract the same energy that we put out into the Universe, so if we want to bring about change in how we are perceived and treated by others—particularly in a white male-dominated world—perhaps it’s time to start with how we view and treat ourselves?

It’s a scary proposition, and as with many other goals we set, perhaps the easiest way to reach this point is by taking baby steps.

The first step could be praising yourself for a job well done, a deadline met, a project finished … and then telling your annoying inner board member—who naturally chimes in with “Yeah, but…”—to go away.

The next step might be to try it out on something as simple as a compliment you receive on your outfit:

“I love your sweater!”

“What, this old thing?” “I’m so happy you noticed it—it’s my favorite!”

As you start to truly own your strengths and accomplishments—because you really can rewire your brain by speaking to yourself in a way that validates them—you’ll find the courage to speak more confidently about them to others.

When you’re ready to give it a try, pick your initial audience carefully—you know who the external critics in your life are, the ones who feel the need to cut you down to make themselves feel better: avoid them. Try your words out on someone who’s not invested in your success (or failure)—sometimes a stranger at a social event is a better choice than your friends and family!

This week, I challenge you to name one thing about yourself that is, as we used to say growing up, “wicked awesome.” And if you’re feeling brave, tell us about it in the comments. Then come to a full stop.

Too shy just yet? Schedule a free consultation and tell me YOURstory!

Comments

  1. Martha Hall

    You’re such a great writer, Liza! And I particularly love this post as I experiment a lot with “changing my mind” as in rewriting the inner dialogue that chatters on in my head, siderailing habitual negative self-talk with something more supportive and uplifting. One thing I tell myself all the time is, “Things always work out for me.” And I have to say, the more I speak those words in my mind or out loud, the more I realize their truth. I try to make a habit of noticing all the little ways that things work out for me, even mundane times like when I make a green light, or I find something I’ve misplaced. Like the expression, “Be careful what you wish for” it’s also true, “Be careful what you look for”. If you look for the positive, you will find it! And if you look for the negative…” 🙂

    1. Elizabeth Baker

      Thanks, Martha—and yes! It’s amazing how changing our lens changes what we see. I’m going to adopt your “Be careful what you look for” lens with my clients (with full credit given where it’s due).

  2. Omgoodness Liza! This was the perfect complement to a “nightmarish” dream that woke me up this morning! I knew the dream had a message and part of it was “pay attention” and the second was “celebrate” what you’ve done and what you are doing! Then something said open and read Liza’s words. I was so happy as always you have such amazing ways of writing and sharing your wisdom! I am grateful for you and the knowledge you share! Happy we are in each other’s lives! I love you! I were my “I AM AWESOME” shirt proudly knowing what I’m doing is greatness??
    Thank you for this reminder support and most of all your love???????peggy

    1. Elizabeth Baker

      Peggyyy! I just saw your “I am awesome” shirt on Instagram? Facebook? and it made me grin. No coincidences in the Universe, only miracles. I’m daily grateful for the little red wagon and the 5 gallon vat of honey that brought us together!

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