This week, I had an opportunity to be part of an amazing team of coaches supporting a virtual event for the Network of Executive Women. This is their annual Rising Stars conference, and I am honored to have an opportunity to support eight amazing leaders directly.
Listen to the pre-show events, one of the leaders asked “Is it a pebble or a boulder?”
I’m sure you have heard the expression “Making a mountain out of a molehill,” and I don’t like that expression. To me, it lacks the empathy and compassion along with completely disregarding the situation we are facing. Besides, maybe it is my mountain and I don’t want you diminishing it!
That’s why the question, “Is it a pebble or a boulder?” resonated so strongly with me.
Right now, we have a lot of boulders in front of us. Whether COVID-19 has directly impacted you, your bubble, your circle, or your work, we’ve had to dramatically pivot and adjust these last few months. And we have some pebbles in front of us too.
I want you to think about one particular boulder – and that is your career.
Here are three things I want you to consider.
What are you doing well right now?
Take some time to give yourself some applause. Whether you are finding new ways to keep your team engaged, productive, and efficient amid all of the challenges of working remotely, let’s acknowledge that. Maybe you are currently unemployed and looking for work, and each day you are spending hours networking, submitting applications, and finding new opportunities. That needs to be celebrated. And maybe you are getting better at your routine of balancing your kids’ remote learning and your day job and finding family time amid the chaos. Well done.
How are you advocating for your career during this time?
You must be the loudest voice and champion for your career. Often, we are afraid to “toot our own horn” or fear to be a braggart for fear of how it will be received. We hide our accomplishments and successes, only to hope that someone will notice and celebrate for us. How often has that happened to you? There are ways we can “SHOW UP” energetically and authentically to “Protect and Promote Our Brand.” Identify what needs to be recognized and where that adds value to your team, your organization, and your career. Think of it as a great way to fine-tune and develop your leadership presence.
What is happening to your dream?
We all have a dream. Don’t let what’s happening now diminish your dream and your ambition for whatever it is. Whether it’s a book you’ve meant to write, an art project you’ve wanted to do, a DIY project that needs your attention, or something else, let you dream be that “boulder.” Let it be that presence to always remind you of how you want to “SHOW UP” and make your impact. Your dream speaks of where you fit and your purpose.
I invite you to think of your boulder as a force rather than a block.
People take notice of boulders.