How You Can Be The Champion You've Always Needed

Who knows what you want and need better than you? No one.

This is why it is important to understand how to be your own champion and advocate for yourself. Throughout life, you will encounter those who stand in as your champion. These are personal influencers that at times saw more potential in you than you were able to recognize within yourself. For many of us, these were teachers, parents, relatives, friends, or even just those we interacted with in our community. Today, I challenge you to become this person for yourself.

This requires a shift. An internal shift to think and be differently than you had in the past. This shift will offer you the very missing link in your journey to YOU. It will guide your decision making, resilience, and actions. It will demand authenticity and self-accountability, ultimately resulting in your triumph.

Below are three key shifts to make in order to become the champion you have always deserved.

Mindset: Courage Over Confidence

Your mindset controls your decision making and, ultimately, your actions. Sometimes we waste valuable time trying to reach the perfect, confident mindset versus adjusting to one that will actually deliver tangible results. It is a process. Confidence isn’t built in a day. Constantly chasing confidence without taking any action will not only limit your potential but hold it hostage to your fears. I recommend, instead of searching for confidence, build it through courage. Courage is acting in spite of fear. This means with courage you can take one step to a better life. Over time each step of courage will demonstrate your strength and advance your progress. These small wins, when properly acknowledged by you, ultimately build your confidence.

Time: Priorities Over Conveniences

Ever look at your social media timeline and think, “everyone is living their best life except for me”? Though you know most people only post their achievements, it can be hard not to fall into the mental hole of self-pity. There are very few people who are overnight successes and, honestly, the probability of you becoming one is also extremely slim… like practically non-existent. So, you are just going to have to put in the work. Which brings us to the second shift, Priorities Over Conveniences.

This shift will, at times, require you to make tough decisions about how to invest your time, money, and energy. Instead of going for the quick and easy routes, you will focus on effective and productive plans of action. For example, each new year, many set goals to lose weight. I'm no medical expert, but those who chose the convenience of a trendy cleanse tend to quickly gain their weight back. Those who chose the priority, going to gym regularly and making sustainable changes to their diets, see long term success. The same is true with any goal. Evaluate your options and weigh if you are choosing the convenience of a quick win or the priority of sustained success.

Skills: Development Over Defeat

How many times have you heard, “the only true failure in life is not trying at all”? Ok, but what if you try and it doesn’t work out? So often I hear stories of smart and capable people giving up. Some give up before they get started because they are overwhelmed with the idea. Others give up after they’ve spent some time on the project/goal, but they hit a roadblock. The truth is that it doesn’t matter where you give up in the process, choosing defeat is never the answer. Instead choose development. Here’s the thing, we all have to develop our skills (hard and soft). When there is new software at work, we don’t just quit our fulltime job. We take a class, ask someone for help, or figure it out ourselves. Take this same approach when you are facing a challenge with your personal goals. Utilize your resources, strengths, and network to work your way through it. You may have to learn a new skill or call an old friend. That is ok. You can drive your development and advocate for what you need.

Choose to Shift

Making the shifts above will not be easy. Though it is important to not solely rely on others, I do recommend surrounding yourself with people who already practice these. This may include friends, family, coworkers, leaders, or mentors. To ensure you receive the support you need through your transition, consider hiring a coach. As a coach, I not only serve as an intermediate champion, but guide my clients to a more empowered mindset to be their own champions. We work through the shifts listed above, as well as others. If you are interested in coaching, reach out for a complimentary session. In addition, I will hosting monthly 30-minute lunch 'n learns (see below) to help with skill building. We can make these shifts together!

Remember it all starts with one tiny step of courage and you should start today.

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Upcoming Events

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June 13: LinkedIn Features to Expand Your Professional Brand

If you are looking to transition to a new job or career, your LinkedIn profile can be a great tool to introduce you to decision makers, potential clients, and thought leaders. Join this lunch and learn where we will review key features on LinkedIn to help you expand your presence and build your professional brand.

July 6: Speaking with Confidence and Authority for Introverts

Presenting to a team, speaking with leadership, or just interacting with groups of people can be challenging. During this lunch and learn, we will discuss how to project confidence and demonstrate your authority with any topic.

July 27: LinkedIn for Graduates

This course is designed for graduates looking to enhance their career prospects through LinkedIn. Join us to discuss how to create an impressive profile and features to expand your network and brand/views on the platform.

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Coaching Sessions

Complimentary coaching sessions?are always available if you'd like a one-on-one session. These sessions can be used to explore coaching or a specific topic you'd like to address.

Pro bono coaching sessions?are offered quarterly. Any new client can request a pro bono coaching engagement that will include 3 bi-weekly sessions. Limited availability. To request a pro bono engagement, schedule a complimentary coaching session or email joy@active-potential.com.

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