There are many obvious ways that people try and make us feel small. The more obvious the insult, the less likely I’ll believe it. It’s those sneaky, sideways slights and cheeky comments from people I know and like that trip me up.
My new mantra: “Don’t Take Things Personally,” lifts me above the crappy wave, but it’s still a crappy wave and easy to get sucked under.
In her book Presence; Bringing your BOLDEST SELF to your BIGGEST CHALLENGES, Amy Cuddy tells me to believe and own my story.
“Presence stems from believing in and trusting yourself – your real, honest feelings, values, and abilities.”
Yes! When I trust myself those snarky comments don’t take root.
She also suggests that we “can pose our way to presence … The way we carry ourselves from moment to moment blazes the trail our lives take.”
“Your body shapes your mind. Your mind shapes your behavior. And your behavior shapes your future. Let your body tell you that you’re powerful and deserving, and you become more present, enthusiastic, and authentically yourself.”
Do I choose “Powerful” – or “Powerless” poses? Which of these poses from her book strike a chord? Yikes – I see myself, ouch.
“The way you carry yourself is a source of personal power – the kind of power that is the key to presence. It’s the key that allows you to unlock yourself – your abilities, your creativity, your courage, and even your generosity. It doesn’t give you skills or talents you don’t have; it helps you share the ones you do have. It doesn’t make you smarter or better informed; it makes you more resilient and open. It doesn’t change who you are; it allows you to be who you are.”
Cuddy suggests we identify the best parts of ourselves – and believe them. Start by answering to a few questions posed by organizational behaviorists:
- “What three words best describe you as an individual?
- What is unique about you that leads to your happiest times and best performance?
- Reflect on a specific time – at work or at home – when you were acting in a way that felt “natural” and “right.” How can you repeat that behavior today?
- What are your signature strengths and how can you use them?”
IDENTIFY, KNOW AND BELIEVE!
“When we feel powerful, we make ourselves bigger”
Thank You! It’s time for me to get my Wonder Woman on!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
“As we let our own light shine, we .. give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson
