If you were to get naked what’s the first “UGH” that comes to mind? Few of us have “AWE” come to mind first.
I’m not talking about staring yourself down while you’re in your birthday suit. I’m talking about speaking your naked truth--saying what you need to say, when you need to say it without worrying about what others think, feel, or expect.
More than once, I’ve had to intentionally get out of my own way. I often coach others on how clarity leads to choice points, which then creates a catalyst which catapults towards results.
For me, it started in 2013 when I decided I needed to make a BIG life change. I don’t like going it alone, so I reached out to someone I admired. She’d been there, done that, and I wanted her to help me.
I was terrified. I was naked with everything hanging out. If I really wanted what I said I did, everything was going to change--had to change--and It was going to be on me to show up, be fully accountable and COMMIT!
Sometimes I can easily jump into an ALL-in mindset. But this was going to be more of a long-term, pain-for-gain kind of experience. Instead of an enthusiastic “FUCK YEAH!” it was more of a “fuck…*sigh*...ya” (with my head hanging and my foot kicking at the ground).
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve committed to being ALL IN--and this was one of them. With my heart racing, breath shallow, throat constricted, and courage drawn up from the depth of my soul, I made the call and ASKED for what I wanted (cue cheering) and was told “no”.
No.
Thanks for asking me, but no. I can’t remember anything said after that or her exact words, only the word “NO” resounding in my head. That’s not how I expected the “get clear and just ask for what you want” mantras to work. I just leapt off the biggest cliff I could imagine! WTF!?!?!
With my toes hanging over the edge and no bottom in sight, I stepped back from the edge and, when I did, I realized I felt relief. Relieved I didn’t have to do IT then. Or at the very least, I didn’t have to do IT now. WHEW! Dodged that one.
So here I am again, naked on the edge of another cliff with everything flapping in the wind. Older, wiser, with a few more flappy bits. I’m willing to BE real. BE raw. BE me-myself-I. I know my mission is to BE a confidence catalyst, to shine a light on the stories we tell ourselves and that means I need to shine the light on my own stories. I’ve learned enough life lessons to cut through the bullshit--even my own. And I know what actionable steps need to be taken. So, here’s a plan:
1. Decide – Get off the fence. Make a decision. It’s far less painful than sitting on a picket.
2. Commit – The learning, the lesson, the change, the growth begins here.
3. Support – None of the greats have ever done it alone, you are no different.
When was the last time you stood bare as your authentic self for all to see? Removed the filters, stood your ground and followed your heart? How did it feel?