Lead. Create. Test Your Assumptions First.

“Until we know the assumptions in which we are drenched, we cannot know ourselves.”
— Adrienne Rich

Oh.My.Goodness.  I may rant – albeit with compassion (and laughing at the fact that I am still catching myself doing the same thing I’m ranting about). 

Over these past two weeks, I’ve spoken with successful leaders who doubt themselves, don’t see how amazing they are, are feeling stuck or believe what they want is not possible. They were all wanting to move forward, had a great idea or opportunity, and then… didn’t take the very action that would create the possibility of getting what they wanted and making a difference in the lives of others.  

It’s so frustrating when people don’t see their own amazingness!

• What if people with innovative ideas shared them?
• What if people who sensed something was wrong, let people know?
• What if people realized they have nothing to prove, and that their worthiness is already present within them?
• What if everyone knew they belonged?
• What if people stopped makng assumptions that other people disagree with or don’t value them?
• What if everyone who was inspired by someone, or needed their help, reached out to them without hesitation?
• What if everyone you know, understood the positive impact they have when they are “just” themselves, showing up fully with joy?

Lives would change. Families, businesses, communities, and the world would change!   

YES!

And yet, when I coach extraordinary leaders there seem to be a variety of limiting beliefs that prevent us from doing these very things. The “reasons” we give for holding back are often hidden behind assumptions or intentions that – on the surface – may sound quite practical or humble and respectful:

• “The person I want to contact is very busy – I don’t want to disturb or burden them.”
• “It’s not my place to suggest that.”
• “For someone in my role/of my age/experience I should already know what to do.”
• “I could be wrong.”
• “I know they invited me, but they didn’t really mean it.”
• “I know they asked how they could help, but I don’t want to burden them.”
• “They never respond to my emails, so I know they aren’t interested in what I have to say.”
• “Before I can do x, I first need y.”
• “I’m the only one that doesn’t have x, y or z.  Who am I to … (fill in the blank)?” 

Do any of these statements resonate with you?  If so, you are not alone. However, What if what you are assuming is 100% incorrect?!  Being aware is the first step, followed by creating a practice of mindful observation and actively testing assumptions. 

An invitation:

Please re-read the “What if..” bullet points at the top, think about the past week, and take stock of which ones you may have thought.  Then, re-answer the questions for yourself.  What if you did those things?  What if you believed them? What if – with an intention to help others by being fully present and sharing your voice – you broke through your limiting beliefs and just did “it?”  How would you feel? What possibilities could that create?

And, how much of your precious TIME and ENERGY would no longer be wasted on the limiting thoughts, and going in circles?!

How to begin to make this shift? Just DO it. 😉 Step into vulnerability and share your voice so that others may benefit, and so that you can feel joy, live in your purpose, move with ease, and create your own momentum.  [Note The Career (Life!) Breakthrough Academy walks you step-by-step through a process to do just that.]

As always, I love hearing from you and knowing how YOU are mindfully curating the life of your dreams. and how these lessons can be applied to your scenario!

To your success,

Kathryn

Next Chapter Coach
Creator of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough Academy^TM

I invite you to check-out some of my most commented-on blogs on this topic:

• Share Your Voice. Raise Your Hand. Have Impact.
• You DO Belong at the Table – So Show Up Fully
• Get Rid of the Imposter – NOW
• How Sharing Your Voice Reveals Your Path Forward

P.S. – This time of year can be challenging if you’re at a Crossroad Moment, trying to figure out what to do, what is possible, what you (really) want, and what you should do next.  If this is YOU or someone you know, I’ve opened up times on my calender to get on the phone for a confidential call.