They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but sometimes it’s just a sign that we don’t know who we are! When I was in the second grade, I wanted to be an artist. Partially because I loved art, but mostly because I envied the attention my older brother received for his artistic talents.
Hungry for attention, I once stole—yes stole—a classmate’s Charlie Brown masterpiece. While drawing wasn’t my gift, acting clearly was because later that day as he searched for it frantically, I kept a straight face and feigned Oscar-worthy interest in helping him find it.
Once home, I erased his name and boldly wrote in my own. I rushed to show Mama “my” masterpiece. She passed it around the dinner table and I basked in the attention. My moment was short lived when my older brother noticed my true contribution to the work…my forged name.
Shame consumed me as they laughed at my foiled heist. My secret was out. I couldn’t draw and I was a thief! Even now, that same sense of shame sometimes creeps over me when I am praised or complimented. I wonder, “Am I really enough?”
My coaching clients echo these sentiments, despite being successful entrepreneurs and leaders. As I continue to “do my work,” I’ve learned to focus on these three things when the “not enoughs” knock on our doors:
1. Know Our Gifts: Dwayne Coleman —I’m sorry I stole “your” masterpiece! But at the time, I didn’t know my gifts. In the second grade, the opportunity for them to be seen had not yet emerged. Music and art classes were painful reminders of my limitations.
Everyone has gifts! However, we typically overlook them as we focus on others’. Our inability to recognize our uniqueness often opens the door for others to treat our talents dismissively. Though we may not all possess the acting chops of Viola Davis or the athletic prowess of Gabby Douglas—there is a place where we shine!
ACTION STEP: List your gifts/talents and describe how they impact your environment. Once you learn to value them—your attitude will set the standard for others.
2. Know Our Limits: Everyone has limits! The healthy response is to respect and understand their impact. Sometimes we have to simply accept them, many times we can change them and other times we can surround ourselves with people who are gifted where we are not. Regardless, a true limit (meaning it cannot be fixed) is not to be feared—it is to be faced as you craft your game plan for success.
ACTION STEP: Answer the following: What are my limitations? Are they real or perceived? If real, answer this question, How have my gifts enabled me to compensate for my limitations?
3. Know Our Worth: Your worth is based on who you are—not what you do! You are a miracle of purpose and if you don’t believe in purpose, even science attests to your uniqueness! Everyone is an expression of potential and power.
You already have a proven track record of overcoming great odds. Regardless of your flaws, faults or physical inabilities, you’re here! You came here a winner—don’t be intimidated by the worth of others. LIVE YOUR WORTH in the knowledge of who you are.
ACTION STEP: Journal about 5 obstacles you have overcome and what you learned about yourself.
Schedule an appointment to do the action steps above!
Affirm out loud, “I know my gifts, my worth and my limits. I have the tools to live with power!”
Named the “North America’s Next Greatest Speaker” by eWomenNetwork, Felicia T. Scott is a Certified Empowerment Coach™ who empowers her clients to turn their Worth into Wealth as she partners with them to DISCOVER their WORTH, DO the WORK and DEFINE their WEALTH. Get more insight, download the FREE “8 Choices Winners Must Make” seminar MP3 on her website.
