Ever been accused of being idealistic? Rebellious? A renegade?
Or wrong, mad, even crazy?
I’m fortunate to work with all sorts of leaders who are pushing boundaries and offering new paths for the rest of us to walk that just might make our lives better in all sorts of ways.
At times I work intensively for up to two days with leaders who travel from interstate so I can help them prepare for keynote presentations at conferences on the other side of the world. Often, we work together in their hotel room.
Initially, much of the work we do has nothing to do with their presentation. It’s usually about moving past what’s getting in the way of these leaders being their inspiring best for their audiences.
I often wonder if it has something to do with the intimacy of being in their ‘bedroom’ when we work together. I’m frequently touched by the depths my clients go to and what they share with me.
I also know that without inner work and alignment, it’s impossible for people to connect with their audiences in the powerful way they need to to make a difference with their words.
So, here are my tips for staying on the path of being an inspiring, trailblazer:
1. Keep backing yourself
When very few people get what you’re on about, it’s up to you to keep yourself on your path.
Staying anchored is so much easier when you remember your purpose. Remind yourself as often as you need to. Why are you doing this? Why do you bother when others, especially industry heavyweights, keep telling you to give it up? Why does it matter? What difference do you genuinely care about making?
Keep coming back to your purpose. It’s the fire in your heart that not only guides your path, but also allows you to speak in inspiring ways that will get your right people on board.
Purpose is where it all starts – and ends.
2. Feel the fear (and do it anyway)
Feel like a fraud? Imposter? Great!
Because in some ways you are. What seems strikingly obvious to you isn’t to others (and you can’t quite believe it!). You’re offering a perspective that others can’t see yet. It can be threatening to them and their way of being.
And until you get enough people on board with your vision to create a movement, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking maybe you really are a fraud.
Being one of the herd does not maketh you a trailblazer.
I love these words from writer George Bernard Shaw in “Maxims for Evolutionists”:
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
Be unreasonable. Be proud of that.
3. Remember that the world needs what you have to offer
You know this. It’s why you keep going when it seems like the odds are frequently against you.
Go back to your purpose. Work on what you can control and produce results to substantiate your ideas. Be passionate and enthusiastic. Be inspiring.
People trust results. It makes them more open to what’s new.
You’re a leader. Trust yourself. Lead. Keep going.
The world needs you.
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I’m Tricia Karp, and I’m on a mission to develop the type of leaders the world needs right now. I offer workshops, coaching and consulting for organisations and individuals who are committed to making a difference. You can find out more right here.
