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A good habit of embracing is coming to terms with what you need to prove to yourself. Setbacks and unpleasant commentary often have a negative effect preventing us from attempting something new. The only person who can ultimately convince you to pick up the pieces and move forward is yourself.
Our upward mobility is also affected by our innate personality. Experiences leading up to each moment in time contribute to how others see us and how we view ourselves. It helps to question how we got here. However, the answers only help us when we come to terms with the good, bad, and mediocre. Only then can we create a better plan for the future.
I grew up at a time when women were supposed to get married at a young age, raise a family, and support her husband as she took care of the home. But knowing that I wanted more, I took an extended detour.
Business always held a fascination for me. Ironically, while in college, I thought if I could get my foot in the door, I could learn from people more experienced. I wanted to know how they develop ideas, get them to market, and ultimately sell for a profit.
Although I didn’t know it at the time, my vision fit the description of becoming a salesperson and possibly an entrepreneur. Initially, I did develop a business with a friend. Some will say that we had unusual luck attracting incredible publicity. But determination made all the difference.
We didn’t care about what others thought or whether we would become wealthy. The goal was to gain the experience we needed. Accordingly, the two of us were far ahead of our time. The news media of varying mediums sought us out instead of the other way around.
When the economy drastically changed for the worst, I entered the advertising field. The upfront issue was that admin positions were offered to young women. However, I kept an eye on the owner and asked pointed questions to learn and grow. In turn, he taught me his better writing style. And one idea of mine proudly landed on a billboard. I kept proving to myself that I could do more than what society said ‘you should do.’
All of our experiences lead us to the next phase of life. The sales profession became a reality. My natural skills and habits became assets for doing well.
Sales Assets:
- Listening and observing
- Speaking up to management when circumstances were questionable
- Asking the hard questions and clarifying the answers
- Striving to do well by clientele
- Motivating myself to continue learning
Given I entered a male-dominated occupation, I was in dire need to prove that I could perform well. The journey continues as an entrepreneur. There is always something new to learn to remain ahead of the curve. All the while, I balance reading up on technological advances, online marketing, and networking via social platforms.
Our life journey fills with twists and turns. Time and again, we all need to prove to ourselves we can do it! The better aftermath is in quietly patting ourselves on the back for accomplishing what we set out to do.
Elton John Lyrics, The Circle of Life, The Lion King
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There’s more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
Some say, “Eat or be eaten”
Some say, “Live and let live”
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
In the circle of life
It’s the wheel of fortune
It’s the leap of faith
It’s the band of hope
‘Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars
There’s far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
For the moment, ignore reality. Take a few minutes to consider these three questions:
- How would you like others to remember you at the end of your career?
- Which of your dreams are on standby?
- Which activity takes your mind to another dimension?
Music, hobbies, and the outdoors may contribute to putting you at ease. Worries cease as you begin contemplating what you need to prove to yourself. Relaxation is more likely to stir up creative ideas. All the while, you begin to admit what you want to achieve ultimately.
Should one idea become a recurring thought, you realize it is time to take action no matter what. Fear may interject itself. One way to overcome anxiety is to remind yourself that you have only one life to live. Happiness is abundant when you live life your way.
The next phase is to chart out where you are today and what you want to be doing tomorrow. Often a reasonable idea attaches new learning ahead. Set a budget consisting of time and money to devote to getting up to speed. Create a list of tasks to begin moving forward. At the end of each week, examine achievements and list out what comes next. Do the same at the end of each month and then set a new monthly goal.
Become comfortable with speaking up when the time calls for it.
Continue the self-examination practice quarterly, semi-annually, and at the end of each year. Continual reflection, revision, and setting stretch goals will have you enjoying your field of dreams. Best of all, you will be smiling deep-down once you prove to yourself you can do it!
Sales Tips: What Do You Need To Prove To Yourself?
- Examine how your personality developed from childhood onward
- Capture what stands out as you relive some of the stories from memory
- Consider how to apply your unique habits and traits to the endeavor you desire
- Begin setting new goals and milestones to achieve
- Review articles on social platforms for the latest insights
- Engage with people already in similar endeavors
- Join groups of like-minded people to exchange ideas
- Create a mastermind group with trusted peers
- Be willing to revise strategies and goals as time moves forward
- Celebrate Success!
Related: How Are You Planning to Leverage Your Current Status?