“We all have the extraordinary coded within us waiting to be released.” ~ Dr. Jean Houston
Top of the year reflection, visioning and goal-setting can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming. The ideas and options are endless and it can really slow you down or stop you completely. Yet, we know some type of forethought and plan is best for success. I am a fan of doing whatever works for you. If you thrive on resolutions, do them, if you like traditional goal-setting – go for it. If you prefer to think out a few years and create an ideal vision, and then back into it, that’s a good one also. To me it just has to work for you. That said, I have found there is something that is key no matter which way you decide to go.
Begin with your brilliance.
Tapping your brilliance means you need to take the time to determine what your most unique and powerful skill, talent or gift is–in what area you completely shine, and then really leverage it in as many areas of your life as you can.
Whether or not you know it, you have a gift as unique as your fingerprint, that nobody has quite like you. It is the thing that comes most effortlessly for you, and yet has the most impact on others at the same time.
It could be the way you connect people to each other, the way you inspire others one on one or as a speaker, your way with children, your humor in difficult situations or the finesse you have as a leader who people naturally follow and trust. Your brilliance could be your keen intuition or strong ability to solve complex problems. This special gift of yours is usually consistently recognized by friends, family, clients and colleagues alike….so if you are not sure, just ask them. Ask what it is about you that impacts people the most. What is it that they know they can “gain” from you when they need it?
Another way to confirm your signature brilliance or strengths is to use assessments such as Myers Briggs, DiSc or even the StrengthsFinder 2.0 which directly covers this question. Asking others and taking assessments usually is great for honing in on your core brilliance or confirming it. And for many of you, it may only be a confirmation. I say this because deep down, you may really already know what it is.
Regardless of how you come by it, once you figure out what your brilliance is, you are working with your best success-asset.
When you leverage your unique gift and fully plug it into your career and life, you are going to be happier, more passionate, more on purpose than you ever were, and it will make it so much easier to reach your dreams.
You will attract people, resources, and opportunities to you to move you forward, and even stuck areas will unhinge and start to shift. This ripple effect is a wonderful part of the process. Working with your core strengths in your career or business, will positively impact your personal life also. Or if you start engaging them more in a personal area, it will then flow to your professional life. For example, when you have a strong personal life, your career can soar. Likewise, when you have career success, you are more energized and positive, and this spills into your relationships.
Focus more on leveraging the positive versus changing what is wrong. Fixing something for the better is always good, but focusing too much on the negative is never a good thing. There is research that shows that it is hard for your brain to have insights when it is focused on the negative. Your insights are such an important part of leveraging your strengths and realizing your dreams. As you more fully move into this year, I would like to suggest you try on these three questions:
- Where can you engage and express your brilliance more, personally or professionally? (these will be things that are fun, energizing and impactful)
- What are you ready to let go of that has nothing to do with your brilliance? (this is the thing that feels like an obligation or a drain)
- Is there something you can do this year, that will be a bold move – that allows you to fully step into your brilliance? (this will be the project that makes you a little queasy to think about, but excited, knowing that it is an ultimate expression of who you are) Even if it is scary, you can name it, and just begin with a small step. Even that will feel great!
See which one of these three questions speaks to you the most, and just start there. And again, as easy as it sounds, it will sometimes feel like a risk. Here are a few thoughts to help support you as you tap your brilliance:
* If it is hard to come by at first, do things to slow down and be more in touch with yourself, and keep trying. Just like the rusty pipe first flows brown water–if you keep it running and it eventually becomes clear.
* Share your plans with your friends or inner circle (fans not naysayers!)
* Use a coach or mentor for a success partner
* Reward yourself for the steps you’ve taken
* Act on the opportunities that will start popping up (more will come!)
So, brilliant you, as Katy Perry would say…”You’re a firework! C’ mon show them what your worth!..” (I opted for a theme song this year instead of resolutions. I know..corny as it is, try cranking this one!)
The world really needs your brilliance now more than ever, so let it shine! It’s just the right thing to do.