Greetings,
A few weeks ago, a client who had taken part in a professional development program we administered for her Am Law 50 firm called me to share the wonderful news that she had been promoted to partner.
During our catch-up, she reminded me of a previous conversation during which she questioned if she was partner material. I had responded: "why not you?" That prompting pushed her to imagine the circumstances in which she could be a partner and to go for it.
This situation is not uncommon for high achieving professionals. We sometimes limit what we can accomplish by taking ourselves out of the running – usually for fear we don't fit the bill. I can recall not raising my hand for stretch assignments, because I wasn't 100% sure I was ready. Often, I was later frustrated to see those opportunities go to others with less experience but more courage.
Whatever you've been holding yourself back from, whatever you've been thinking "can I really?" about, I encourage you to reframe. Ask yourself "why not me?" Take the chance. Try for the thing. Trust that you will figure it out.
What ambitious goal will you work towards this year? I'd love to know. Reply to this email, and let's chat.