Special Note: We’re extremely pleased to share this guest blog written by the very talented Kris Macc (Macchiarola). She is the Founder and President of KMACC SOLUTIONS.
I would love to have a heart-to-heart conversation with my younger self.
.
I want to give her advice to help her be the best she can be, appreciate what she has in the moment, and tell her to stop worrying.
.
I don’t know if she would listen, though. She would probably pretend that she had it all figured out.
Photo taken by Ben White
“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and
she laughs without fear of the future.”
.
~Proverbs 31:25
I have always loved that quote. Sadly, it wasn’t something that truly resonated with me until I hit my mid-forties. Contrary to what I had imagined, my forties have been the best decade so far. Perhaps this is because I am finally at the point where I have stopped caring so much about what others think of me. I am finally showing up in a more authentic way at work and in life. I am a much better self-leader these days!
The truth is that for many of us, especially when we were younger, we were scared of authentically showing up. Letting ourselves be fully seen without a perfectly crafted façade was frightening. We worried about too many small things. We worried about missed opportunities and so we rushed into situations before we even considered whether they were aligned with what we valued and what we wanted. We worried about what people would think of us if we spoke up in disagreement. We exhausted ourselves with “professional-pleasing” behaviors towards others that were at the expense of our values, interests, motivators, and healthy boundaries. We found ourselves settling too often instead of lighting our souls on fire.
I would love to have the opportunity to speak to my younger self, but since I can’t go back… this is for the Millennials and Gen Z. Your future is so bright!
.
Sometimes, your generations get undeserved criticism. I see two generations that are interested in making a broad impact on their planet and I am inspired by you.
Photo taken by Joshua Fuller
So, here it goes… this is my list of 10 self-leadership axioms created from 46 years of living on this planet. Here’s to you living your best life!
.
1) Know your worth. What you have to say is important. One day, your voice will inspire others.
2) Embrace where you are. Stop trying to rush everything; the big things will happen for you,
not a moment too soon.
3) You are the only one holding yourself back. Pay attention to the convenient lies you tell yourself that
hold you back. They sound like… “One day, tomorrow, when I’m ready, soon, and next time.”
4) Welcome the struggles. Even though they can be painful, know that these are your biggest opportunities for growth.
5) Jump in the arena. Take more risks. As Brene’ Brown would say, “Stop sitting in the cheap seats.”
6) Love yourself fiercely. Love yourself so well that others ask you how it’s done. Self-love starts with
self-compassion and self-forgiveness. Be kind to yourself.
7) Be curious about everything. Curiosity is part of a growth mindset.
8) Abundance begets abundance and scarcity begets scarcity. If you want more from work and life, find ways
to help others and you will attract more abundance into your life.
9) Intentionally create your circle. The people you surround yourself with greatly influence your life.
10) Love loudly! Say, “I’m sorry,” when you should and “I love you as often as you can.”
One day your loved ones will pass and so will you.
“Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will
take you where you need to go.”
.
~ Natalie Goldberg
Kris Macc (Macchiarola) is the Founder and President of KMACC SOLUTIONS. She specializes in helping individuals and organizations create a culture where employees feel energized, enabled, and engaged. She is an emotional intelligence (EQ) champion and specializes in “Human to Human.” Kris recently published her first book, #NoApprovalNeeded. She loves practicing yoga and believes it is good for the soul. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family.
Follow Kris on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-macchiarola
Visithttps://www.kmaccsolutions.com
Visit https://www.krismacc-author.com
Join the FB Community #NoApprovalNeededBook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1072450256268730/