Following a team meeting earlier this week, our CMO told the guys she wanted to talk to just the ladies. The guys (jokingly) grumbled a bit as they left the room, and we were all ears – because who doesn’t love a little girl talk, even at work?!
Her message started with a story…
Jen, an incredibly gifted pianist and piano teacher, interviewed and then landed her dream job: an assistant director position at a metro orchestra. While on a walk with her husband, they were discussing the opportunity and the move to a new city. She was honored, but confessed that she couldn’t believe they picked her. His response: “You’re the only one who was surprised.”
You’re probably thinking, whaaaaat?! How did she not get that she deserved her dream job?!
But, think about it, ladies.
When was the last time you heard that little voice in your head… you’re not smart enough… you’re not strong enough… you can’t do that… you can’t keep up…
And, how many of you are surprised when something good happens to you? When you reach that goal you’ve worked your butt off for? When you cross that finish line of your first 5k or ironman? When you keep up with your male lane mate at morning masters swim? When you score your dream job?
Almost everyday?
Yeah, me, too.
It’s that little loud voice – the bullshit voice – the one that tells you, on repeat, that you’re not enough.
IT NEEDS TO STOP.
Each one of us needs to stop letting that bullshit voice hold us back from speaking up, believing that we’re anything less than perfectly capable at accomplishing amazing things, second-guessing our contributions and questioning our worth.
Because you are enough. You are smart and strong. You can do it, whatever you want to do. You can keep up. Your contributions are valuable.
So, let’s all work toward silencing out inner bullshit voice.
Because you are enough.
I am so grateful (and, so lucky) to have such a rock star, supportive leader! Thank you, Stacy, for believing in and empowering me on not only a day I needed it the most, but every single day.
22 Comments
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Stacy kicks ass. And says it like it is. We are very lucky to have such a great leader paving our way!
Love this!
You two daughters must have an awesome boss! How fantastic to be reminded of your worth (especially by someone you admire)! You are AMAZING!!!
Holler. People always tell me how upbeat I stay through all of these surgeries and how I always have such a positive outlook. HAHAA. Textbook example of ‘presenting well’ I guess. I try to stay just one decibel louder than that little voice.
Joining in to say I also love this. I have a near-constant case of Imposter Syndrome going on, and I’m really working hard at getting over it and owning my abilities and accomplishments instead of always being surprised by them.
So grateful+lucky+happy to have such a supportive and admirable leader in our department!! 🙂 And a handful of awesome ladies as part of our team too. xoxoxo!
What a great mentor! I just read “Lean In” and it had some very similar advice. It’s all too easy to listen to the ego (the little voice), and it can be very mean sometimes!!
Oh the truth behind these words. We can be our own worst enemy. Thank you for continuing to be a light on my blogroll and remind me to be present and Own It every day. If you haven’t yet, check out Lean In, it has a very similar message.
You are welcome! Thank you for reading! Bought Lean In the week it came out… excellent and should be mandatory reading 🙂 Another favorite read: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.
Such a good reminder. THANK YOU!
Is this a gender-specific issue? Surely I can’t be the only male out there with a powerful inner bullsh*t voice constantly talking inside my head.
I needed this today. I’m interviewing for my dream job this afternoon! I deserve it.
Awesome, Jocelyn! Good luck!! You absolutely deserve it!
Love this Erin! I’m going to tell the BS voice to SHUT IT during the race sunday! 🙂
This was PERFECT timing!! After last weekend’s horrible run, I have had that voice in my head. As I get ready to head out for my last long run this evening, this post is just the reminder that I need to keep moving forward and believe I am enough. Thanks Erin!!
Love this. I need to hear this from time to time, and I know most other women do, too. 🙂
This is beautiful; thanks so much for sharing this powerful message.
It’s true- I second guess things all the time. Yet when my girlfriends achieve something, land an amazing job, etc. and are surprised I get upset they don’t see what I see!
Thankfully most of us have strong friends and family who remind us of this important message.
I needed to read this!!! Julia W. said she saw you today at TCM & told me to read your latest post. I’m glad I did!! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! I love what a small world it is and that you know Julia 🙂
YAY ^^^^^^^
great racing Erin!!! no BS in that 10 miler was there!!!
so true, we doubt ourselves, and yet we are so capable and worthy!
LOOOOVE THIS!!! So exactly what I needed to hear. I am trying to work on this, but some days it is hard. Thank you.