Let Them

For those who haven't met me in person, I am a short (5'1") woman with an expressive and enthusiastic personality, often likened to a cheerleader. However, this initial impression couldn't be further from the truth! Those who know me would use words like; intelligent, candid, tenacious, funny, and an out of the box thinker/problem solver. Unfortunately, once someone gets a first impression of you, it is hard to break out of that ‘box’ that they have put you in.

In my professional life, I noticed that this unfortunate first impression often prevented people from seeing my true self. Even with a college degree and job specific training, I would be overlooked or dismissed. I am sure many of you understand being a Subject Matter Expert and people not respecting you or your knowledge base. Looking for external validation was only putting a chip on my shoulder and keeping me from my goals.

My mentor advised me to 'Let Them.' Let them underestimate you and discover your true capabilities. He then took me to one of his business meetings and left me with the clients for a bit. Once the meeting was over, he asked me to tell him my observations. As I did, I added all the details the business clients told me when he was away. They shared information that provided my mentor with a strategic advantage. You see, they saw me as a weak link to pump information from. What they did not anticipate is that I could synthesize their questions and open conversation into information my mentor needed for leverage. It was at this moment that I could finally see myself as he did. Intelligent, strategic, and full of potential.

I no longer needed to fight for respect. I realized that I could take this struggle of mine and I could turn this into an asset. ‘Let Them’ is conceptionally allowing people to act and do as they please, allowing their true selves to show up. You are only responsible for responding to what you choose or need to respond to. As I watch things unfold around me, I can be more strategic. Like the Jellyfish, I use my gentle strength to pulse forward. Working with the flow that is around me instead of going against the current.

The key lesson is to conserve your energy and avoid engaging in unnecessary uphill battles. Trust that solutions you seek can come from ease and the flow around you. Your creativity will lead you there.