Who Are You Being?

“Shining star come into view, Shine it’s watchful light on you.” ~ Maurice White
“Instant Karma’s gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin’
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughin’ at fools like me
Who in the hell d’you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are.” ~ John Lennon
If you are reading this, chances are you’re driven by a purpose. That purpose has you making things happen. Answering questions, problem solving, strategizing, researching, analyzing, bringing people together. In this process of doing, do you give yourself a chance to ask yourself, who are you being?
In our unusual times, sometimes doing is the thing we can hold on to that makes us feel alive and satisfied. It makes us feel useful. As if there are things we can control in this unforeseeable time. Underneath all that, you may be saying to yourself, “I want people to see me as a leader.” Or, “I want to be the glue that keeps my team together.” Or “I want to inspire younger people to feel that they can make good choices in their life. It’s in their hands to create a better destiny than they believe right now at this minute…” You wish you were one of these people, yet who are you being?
I always wanted to be the person who walked into a room and lifted people up. A presence who could shine, be effervescent like a glass of champagne. The challenge with that was that I was shy and I wasn’t the traditional beauty who could command a room with actress good looks. I wondered could I be that person? And how could I be that person?
When I was a consultant in executive search, I would hear from my clients, when I was bogged down with details and concentrating, “Are you okay? You’re not your upbeat self.” And from candidates and coaching clients, “I feel so uplifted after I speak with you.” And recently I reconnected with a close friend from high school who said to me, “I remember you as always smiling and laughing.”. All these people were letting me know, “you are that person who uplifts others.” Why wasn’t I understanding their messages?
Just like Dorothy in Emerald City who always had the way to get home but wasn’t aware of it, you could already be that person you want to be. The people around you are letting you know if you would listen when they are speaking their truth. And, yet it is only, when you recognize yourself in the mirror and stand firmly grounded that you alone can realize you are special. That you are exactly the star who you wanted to be. That reflection appears because you are operating with more clarity and intention to reach your people and your goals. You’ve challenged habits and self-misconceptions.
Athletes and celebrities may be celebrated publicly like in “Dear….” and “Greatness Code” on Apple TV, yet you are recognized and valued by family, friends, clients, mentees, and colleagues. Why? Because with everything you do to further your purpose, each step you take, your conversations, your compassion, makes you the leader you are. The glue. The inspiration. Keep doing all you do. Be aware of what you do …because of who you are in the bigger picture.
“You’re a shining star, no matter who you are. Shining bright to see what you could truly be.” ~ Maurice White
The world right now needs more leaders and the right leaders.
If you are in a position to support others or you are called to bring forth good change, encouragement, and growth – you want full access to your potential. Make the choices you need to gain the confidence, clarity, and resources to be that leader so that you can lead others to use their full capability.
If you would like to have a conversation on how you can do this, contact me: Susan@SusanGoldbergLeadership.com