The Wisdom & Insights episodes are when I look back on my most recent conversations and pull together the key insights from my incredible guests and expand on the learnings from each one with practical actions we can all take right now to become a more empowered, impactful and significant version of ourselves.
Episode 17 Janice B Gordon – Follow Your Gut
Janice is listed as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Customer Experience Nov 2020 and named as one of the top 150 Women B2B Thought Leaders You Should Follow in 2021 by Thinker 360.
Janice was told at school that she wasn’t bright enough to go to university. She rose above that and despite the limiting beliefs and feeling that she wasn’t good enough, she worked really hard to build the successful business she runs today. She said – “More or less all my life I’ve been self-employed or on contracts. It’s given me a sense of freedom; it’s released me from other people’s expectations or opinions of me. I like to create my own path. I like to create systems and processes that don’t already exist rather than slide into the ones that do”
Janice also said. – “All of my life, all of our lives, all of the experiences – even bad experiences, they all bring you to where you’re meant to be. They all add value to what you need to go on and do”. “That teacher who told me that I’m not intelligent enough, has no idea of the power that I have and that everybody has. Who can tell you that? They have no idea – our legacy is untold”. “Oprah Winfrey said that all of the notable leaders that she interviews always turn round after the camera’s switched off and ask, ‘was that ok?’. What they are really asking is ‘Was I good enough?’ – this may be a president or a leader of a multi-national company – they’re all human! We all want to know we are good enough…and you just need someone, anyone to say you are. It doesn’t matter what your title is, we all need that affirmation of our worth.”
This just shows that ‘Imposter Syndrome’ affects us all – it is no respecter of status, rank or privilege. We all experience those voices of doubt in our heads from time to time, questioning if we are good enough to step up to the next challenge. We all look for reassurance from others that we are doing a good job and if we feel we have not delivered our best value, we can agonise over it for days. The self-doubt can become a monster that occupies our waking thoughts, disturbs our sleep and can massively impact on our confidence, motivation and productivity. This is particularly impacting many people right now with the long period of Lockdown and increasing feelings of disconnection from clients, colleagues and a sense of purpose in life. Our basic need to feel we are a valued member of our tribe has been seriously compromised. Being unable to utilise the spectrum of your inherent skills and deliver your unique value through familiar channels, can make you wonder if you will be able to step up into your ‘normal’ role when Lockdown eases. If you feel like this – you are certainly not alone.
Don’t let the thoughts, insights and learning of this challenging time just evaporate as we start to ease out of lockdown. Take positive steps right now to create a life that fills you with meaning every day, a life that you will look back in later years with real joy and gratitude for all the lives you were able to touch and the ripple effect that created in your circle of influence and far beyond.
Janice said – “Purpose is not just your ‘Why’ – it’s what are you here to do. It takes time experimenting with your past experiences, following a pathway, trusting your gut, going for it, to understand this is what you’re meant to do, this is where you’re meant to be”. I asked her what Significance meant to her? She said; “I think Significance is the most important human need. I believe we use Significance to measure who we are and what value we have, how we make a difference, do we count, do we matter, do we have value?”
The 1st Masterclass of the ‘Relaunch from Lockdown’ programme starts with the Contribution Compass psychometric assessment which pinpoints your strengths, challenges, ideal roles and so much more. When you absolutely know your natural talents, you can create a life of continual impact and purpose. Click here for more information on the programme.
Episode 19 was with the fabulous Dr Lynda Shaw – The Neuroscience of Communication and Change
Lynda is an experienced entrepreneur, having owned 3 businesses. She holds a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience, specialising in unconscious processing of emotion and behavioural change. Lynda says –“There are 2 big ‘C’s in the world; Communication and Change. If you can get those right most of the time, you are in with a chance of running a good business”. “It’s not about the science of embracing change it’s about the art of embracing change”. The Pandemic means the curve balls are coming thick and fast, so we have got to keep being agile and flexible but not to the detriment of what is working at the moment. Change means ‘not knowing’ and the brain loves to know where it is going. The brain hates uncertainty, so, put in place things that you know you can control. Establish a routine; get up at the same time every day, plan really healthy nutritious meals, exercise regularly, get out in nature every day. The brain likes routine and will start to calm down. Trick the brain into thinking ‘there is no need to worry and let’s just do this sensibly’. Also, when we put the brain in a pleasurable state, we are the most effective we can be. The best way of doing that is through kindness, generosity and altruism.
How are you nurturing your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to bounce back from lockdown as a re-vitalised, empowered and confident version of yourself? Setting up a self-care routine that subconsciously says ‘I matter’ will make you feel nurtured and appreciated. How are you supporting others, giving of your time and energy to enrich their lives? The endorphins you release when helping others will go a long way to keeping you fired up and motivated through the tough times
On communication, Lynda says – “Once somebody understands the nature of perception, it’s easier to be compassionate about other people’s point of view. When you come to that place of understanding how the brain works, then you can start to have a decent conversation without being defensive and be far more open in your communication”. When you have clarity in your own value and feel energised and empowered, you are not threatened by the rising talent around you. You embrace the differences in others, tap into their expertise and create a wonderful culture of collaboration and engagement where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
The Powering Up Masterclass of the ‘Relaunch From Lockdown’ programme has enabled delegates to adopt new empowering routines that energise and equip them to face change with courage and resilience. Feeling secure in yourself and having real clarity on your uniqueness brings a deep sense of wellbeing that radiates vibrant energy wherever you are.
Some real gems from wonderful guests – do go and listen to them, there were many more valuable insights than I have been able to include here. You can listen to the podcast here.
ACTION POINTS
- Recognise the fears and insecurities that Imposter Syndrome raises and accept that fear is often a sign that we are stretching and growing – so push through the fear to a life of greater purpose and impact.
- Take positive steps right now to create a life that fills you with meaning every day.
- Set up a self-care routine that subconsciously says ‘I matter’ and will make you feel nurtured and appreciated. You will be firing on all cylinders and exude a magnetic energy that inspires others to shine.