Value Who You Are And What You Do

This excerpt is from my new book: Career Transition-make the shift-your 5 steps to successful career reinvention.

“Confidence is contagious” Vince Lombardi

Why do we devalue ourselves so much? Like what we have done and accomplished is not that important compared to others? I find that most people do not value who they are, what they have done, and how their actions have impacted others. Some of the biggest impact we make is done with a quiet conviction. It has no less an impact than something that is loud and bold.

Every person has an ongoing story. Stories have characters, a plot, a setting, scenes, conflict and resolution. In this context, we live out many stories in our lives. Every story is rich with experiences, lessons and wisdom. We are truly the sum total of all the stories we have lived out and have yet to live.

I have used many of my “story-line themes” during my life and career transitions. I have applied the experience, wisdom and passions I have gained toward succeeding on this current career path. My communication, networking, leadership, organizational, sales, marketing, branding, collaborating and partnering skills, as well as volunteering and reaching out to my community, have all contributed to how I navigate my phases.

I have always believed that if “you take you with you” you will be okay.

Trust your instincts, listen to them and develop them. There were many things put in my path—by design— to help me know which way to go. Believing in who you are and what you do is the only way others will believe in you, too.

I love the idea of belief in oneself because of how forceful it is. This kind of self-esteem is magnetic. It will bring others to you that are like-minded and spirited. Self-esteem and self-respect are things we earn through our actions. I live with a strong code of ethics and high standards when it comes to how I treat others and serve them. I believe kindness is one of the most powerful principles.

Clear away the negative self-talk and really look at yourself through the eyes of how your support system and networks see you.

When building your personal brand, it is often helpful to ask a few people what they like best about you. Sometimes allowing others to be your mirror can help you see things in yourself that you may not see or believe in yet.

Author:

Deborah Shane is an author, entrepreneur, radio host and expert. She is the heart and soul of her business education and professional development company, Train with Shane and is in her third year of hosting a weekly business radio show on blogtalkradio.com. She writes for several national business, career and marketing blogs, and websites including smallbiztrends.com, careerealism.com, Internationalbusinesstimes.com, Smartbrief.com and teachstreet.com.  Her new book Career Transition-make the shift-the 5 steps to successful career reinvention is available now on amazon.com. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Blogtalkradio @Deborah Shane, or visit www.deborahshane.com.

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