” I have to be me.”
I frequently hear this, when I’ve overwhelmed clients with too many suggestions as to how they can start the process of re-branding themselves for a new job hunt, or a career transition…or I’ve led clients outside of their comfort zone, as they prepare in ways big and small to improve their lives. They’re excited…and a little anxious.
I think what people are really saying when they say, “I have to be me,” is ,”Whoa, sensory overload! I’m experiencing a lot of feelings right about now. Am I ready for all of this? Maybe I just should stick to what I know…even if it doesn’t satisfy me…”
You have to be you, I just want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. I want you to feel empowered to do the (exciting) things you want, instead of wasting more time thinking, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not funny/sexy/thin/educated/whatever enough.” You have to be you, but you don’t know the full extent of your abilities, just yet. No one does. So before you think, “I have to be me, and I’m just a small-town girl, so how could I possibly [fill in the blank],” take a step back and realize everyone has to start somewhere. Transition is necessarily messy, confusing, frustrating, intimidating and frequently wonderful.
You have to be you, and that should be a wonderful thing! That should give you the courage to go further within and without. You made it this far, right? You have to be (the best) you, and therefore I want to encourage you to be a version of yourself, burdened by less restraints and fears, and equipped with significantly more freedom and license. I want you to embrace a version of yourself that is determined to express itself honestly, in whatever mode matters.
You have to be you, but for a lot of people, that “you” is a work-in-progress, and if you get too attached to one version, you can delay or even deny some pretty amazing upgrades. Your you can handle this, I promise. #gettowork
