YOU WILL NEVER PLEASE EVERYONE ALL OF THE TIME. No matter how thoughtful or measured you are in decision making, whether on a professional or personal level, you cannot please the multitude of people around you. And, the desire to please everyone often holds us back.
For some (the ole’ me) it’s tempting to be safe, to avoid rocking the boat, or not ruffle any feathers. But, by doing so, you stagnate…things remain the same. Your project will not move forward, your team will not work effectively and you will not get that promotion. Hey, things may stay polite–but you will stay in the middle and beige, and if you’re happy with beige then that’s cool. Progress often is upsetting. Innovation means breaking the mold. It’s a messy and, maybe.. an insulting process for some. You are damned if you keep the status quo, and you’re certainly damned if you don’t move the needle forward.
Stress. Drinking. PMS (Political Misery Syndrome* ). Stress. Drinking. PMS. *A term from my first book The Big Sister’s Guide To The World of Work.
If you have conviction and a well-placed belief in yourself and strategy, you NEED to act, no matter how upsetting to the people around you. Some will call it confidence or boldness; others may say its audacity or gall. Moving ahead means taking no prisoners. Do what you think is best for you and those around you, even if your coworkers (or family) may hesitate. Believe in your skills, understand the capabilities of your organization, and consider the risks. Just think of where everyone who’s reading this can go next. Some people won’t want to join the journey, but, if you’re willing to collaborate, you’ll bring others along for the ride upward. (Janet, I’m talking to you.)
Strive to take chances and write a unique professional story. Challenge yourself when others urge you to be safe. Follow your truth, but always be respectful of everyone else’s choices and concerns. Yes, your decisions and actions may not end up being successful, but you made the effort and that really does count for something. I spent three years and six figures on a software that’s sitting on a shelf.
You’ll be damned if you don’t do this for yourself.
Btw, I was featured in Forbes this past week. V. v grateful for being asked to participate.
Abrazos y buenos deseos,
Jocelyn