I’m inspired to write today about the importance of backing yourself. I have just spent a few days facilitating the Beef Australia Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program first face to face of a year long experience in Brisbane. The program runs every three years. I was blown away by the 9 trail blazers who will spend the next year developing their leadership and progressing a project of interest. They are all well on their way. A key part of the program is being matched with a leader from the Australian beef industry as a mentor for 12months. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Let’s pause for a minute. I know that the ability to back yourself comes easier to some personality types than others. Regardless, backing yourself is a commitment to putting your best self forward and this is important for anyone wanting to develop their leadership. I saw fabulous examples of leaders doing this and there was much to learn.
“Backing yourself is a commitment to putting your best self forward and this is important for anyone wanting to develop their leadership. It’s about developing a deep trust in yourself, quietening your inner critic and taking action even when things are uncertain. It requires you to live comfortably in the grey and not the black or white of life”
Jo Eady
Today, I want to share some practical ways of backing yourself. No time here to get caught up in your own thinking or listen closely to your imposter. Instead take some actions that really do move you from passive to active, become assertive, support you to take control of your leadership image and become your own loudest cheerleader. Your leadership will shine.
1. Create Your Own Proof Portfolio – Track your wins. Recognise and write them down daily or weekly. The facts don’t lie. Read them often. This will counter feelings of imposter syndrome.
2. Nurture Your Internal Narrative – Give yourself permission to grow, to make mistakes, to try something before its perfect and to learn. Instead of wanting to be perfect, learn to be imperfect and do it anyway.
3. Stop Saying Sorry – Swap out phrases like “Sorry I just …” to be more assertive ones like “I want to add…..” And never ever apologise for taking up space. If you’re at the table then this is where you are meant to be.
4. Move Comparison to Motivation – It’s so easy to compare yourself to others. Channel your motivation and treat their success as a lighthouse for you and that your goals are achievable. Take lessons from them for your own journey.
5. Hold Your Head High – I remember being told this by my beautiful Mum and I am often reminded of it! It’s similar to hold your ground. It’s all about being proud and showing this pride by how you show up – strong shoulders, sit up at the table and maintain an open facial expression.
Over to You
Do any of these resonate for you? Could any be helpful to back yourself better today than you did yesterday?
