When was the last time that you flipped the lens?
My boyfriend took this photo of me the other day out on our hike in Loveland, CO. And, I kinda love it. I remember when I used to hate having pictures taken of me because I'd be so darn judge-y. "That angle doesn't look great on you." "Hmm, your arms / thighs / whatever look a tad chub-tastic there, Meg." You know, the typical b.s. head trash that so many of us deal with in so many different ways - from our appearance, to our self-worth, to our business success, to our wallet... the self-sabotage list goes on...
For my birthday last year, my boyfriend got me this camera. It became my new favorite hobby - looking through the lens and capturing moments, memories, and beauty. Turning my adventure photos / cross country road trips, etc into my marketing messages. Collaborating with other women in business to shoot coaching videos. Starting to see things through a new lens.
This past week, my business coach told me to create a journal to capture the kind words that others say about me. The yoga instructor in me balked at the idea: "slow your roll there, princess - a whole book dedicated to serving your ego!?"
Then I realized how important it is for our own self-confidence as entrepreneurs, coaches, and change agents to flip the lens. Turn the camera around and take a look at how other people see us for a change. Let some more light in.
In our day to day, we all get these "snap shots" of ourselves through the dialogue that happens so rapidly in our mind. Take a moment to pause, turn the lens around, and see what others see. Start a journal. It has been a truly magical and humbling experience. Give it a try yourself - see how special you are and learn your strengths so that you can start to value yourself in the way that others do.
- "You radiate joy."
- "Wow, that inspires me to stand up for myself too." (regarding a business decision I am making that I was nervous my tribe would judge me negatively for...)
- "I can't say enough great things about Megan. She is dynamic, knowledgeable, and genuine."
- "I have always thought of you as a coach, but also a friend, because you really got to know me and find out what was important to me."
- "I admire how you are able to follow your heart and hope it is going well!"
- "You are a mentor, a role model and a friend. For those things, I could not be more grateful."
- "I love all of your positive energy and inspiration on social media. Your positive vibes keep my spirits and confidence up." (this person was going through a huge transition - that I didn't know about - and following me on social media. You NEVER know who you are impacting!)
Here's the thing - this was unsolicited feedback. These were day to day occurrences and I have no question that they happen for you too - I bet you're just not paying attention. These people could be clients, prospects, centers of influence, strategic alliances, and friends. Turn the lens around and take a peek at how they see you - you'll be happier for it, and your business will grow too.
If you need the accountability, non-judgement, direction, inspiration and support of a coach who helps you to shine your brightest, then that's where I come in. I coach female entrepreneurs to turn the lens around and honor their value so that they can earn what they are worth, and love doing it. www.meganmcavoy.com
Namaste,
Meg