Sustainable Ambition Forum - 02.11.21
I know, I know. It sounds all gushy and corny. But don’t you know the line in the movie The Holiday, “I need a little corny in my life”? (Said by Iris, Kate Winslet’s character.)
And, yes, I’m playing into the fact that in just a few days it’s Valentine’s Day.
So, why is it important to love ourselves? Well, I’ve been learning that it’s at the root of confidence and belonging.
These topics—confidence and belonging—have been showing up in my world of late:
Confidence because so many of us face new challenges (sometimes self-imposed and sometimes not) that stretch us, push us into our growth zone, make us uncomfortable, and make us question our ability to take these on. Despite being highly capable and having many successes under our belt, we question, “Can I really do this?” or “Do I have what it takes?” And yet, we are all highly capable.
That brings me to belonging, because that line of thinking often takes us to thinking: “I don’t belong here” or “I don’t deserve to be here.” But you belong if you show up as your true self and believe in that person.
When we can get comfortable in our own skin, in essence love ourselves (all of us), and when we can trust and believe in ourselves, we can quiet the internal voices of concern and doubt. We can build our confidence and sense of belonging. So, what can you call forward to support you during such times of self-doubt? Consider:
What do I love about myself?
What can I do to bring my full, powerful self forward?
When have I proven I can do what it takes?
When have I demonstrated grit, and how can I call upon my tenacity now?
How can I apply a growth mindset to this challenge to support my stretch?
What support might I need to ensure I’ll be successful?
How can I honor my personal values in whatever I am taking on, honoring myself?
This is the reminder in our February Monthly Progress Practice.
Along with that, you’ll find below:
A round up of: Reading, Listening, Watching, and Smiling
My next podcast episode with Tim Galpin, friend and Senior Lecturer of Strategy & Innovation and Academic Director of the MBA program at Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford (that has to be one of the longest titles in the world!)
My “What’s Your Character” Tool
I hope you find at least one thing below that is helpful to you in the coming weeks.
And, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you give yourself a bit of love and buy yourself a box of chocolates. 💚
Be well,
Kathy
The Round-Up
Reading: I’m enjoying reading President Obama’s memoir. Talk about someone with confidence and who has figured out his own belonging.
Listening: I enjoyed hearing Brené Brown’s perspective on the pillars of President Obama’s leadership. And one thing I believe about President Obama—he knows and owns who he is. It’s powerful. Worth a listen.
Watching: It’s taken me a bit to catch on, but now that I’ve started Ted Lasso I’m hooked. It really is worth the watch if you have Apple TV+. It’s heartwarming and provides great models of leadership. Plus, it shows someone who fully embraces himself. Inspiration on many levels.
Smiling: ICYMI - The pandas at the National Zoo enjoying the snow. So fun! A reminder to not take ourselves too seriously, especially these days, play, and embrace the joy.
The Sustainable Ambition Podcast
Join me for conversations with experts, authors, and friends on
what it means to live with Sustainable Ambition.
On episode #3 of the Sustainable Ambition Podcast, I’m joined by friend, Tim Galpin. Tim’s currently Senior Lecturer of Strategy & Innovation and Academic Director of the MBA program at Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. What I loved about this conversation is hearing Tim’s career and life story that has taken this descendant of an Englishman back to the U.K. and Oxford just two generations later.
Tim is a pretty centered and confident guy, someone who truly knows himself. So, in this episode, you’ll hear his career tips and lessons and what’s kept him engaged and ambitious over his career from being curious, continually learning, not getting locked into a lifestyle that limits flexibility, and how there are always options for new career possibilities. I hope you enjoy the episode and take away a few new insights.
Find it on Apple Podcast here
Or, listen on our website here
You can also find the podcast, subscribe, and listen on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Overcast.
The Monthly Progress Practice: February
At the beginning of the year, we shared our Monthly Progress Practice. Progress happens through small actions, so we offer a monthly practice of small actions or micro-habits to inspire positive change this year.
Our guidance for February: Be confident. Confidence is about being comfortable in your own skin. What do you honestly love about yourself? Embrace it and be humbly proud.
Find Your Guide:
Find the perfect guide to match your journey.
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”
— Joseph Campbell
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SUSTAINABLE AMBITION™ IS ABOUT CRAFTING A FULFILLING CAREER TO SUPPORT YOUR LIFE FROM DECADE TO DECADE.
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