Why do we always need an outsider to appreciate us?
One of my former mentees finally received his desired promotion. He was very happy and we scheduled to chat.
After hearing all about his big achievement and congratulating him, I asked: so tell me, now what has changed with the promotion?
He spent 10 min or so trying to find an answer, to explain how this new title changed his client’s view of his work, or even his manager and peers view, but in the end he said: “to be honest, nothing. It has just changed my moral.
With that I replied: why do we need someone/something to validate who we are? Why do we need a stamp - promotion in this case - to prove that we are good enough?
What do we need to start enjoying being who we are, without external need of confirmation and approval?
Self-esteem is the answer. Only then you will be able to own yourself, taking the power off others and focusing on you!
As Oscar Wilde said: “be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” In other words, the only way out is in. Inside who you were born to be!
Looking inside and reviewing behaviors requires courage and willingness to adapt. But this is fundamental to keep evolving as human beings.
#mentoring #purpose #self-awareness #self-esteem
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