After viewing the video in this weeks lesson, I realized my manager used me as a test case. So what does that mean?  I have worked for Ted for 2 years and he immediately took a shine to me.  He knew I loved an overflowing plate and challenging work.  When I asked, he kept filling that plate and I kept delivering.  He always put me in challenging situations. For example, I have been working on my public speaking throughout my career.  Last year alone, he had me get certified in facilitation, explaining it was a terrific way to broaden my skill set. I struggled but I did not give up.  I remained focused, was allowed to skin my knee and came back stronger than I ever imagined I could – I actually posted the highest facilitation scores out of any of our facilitators certified in the class and did this my first class out.  Fast forward 6 months later and the senior leadership team was looking for a volunteer to facilitate our All Hands Meeting.  Ted informed me at our next 1-1 that he told them I would love to do it.  Now of course I could decline, he said, the choice was mine, but what a great brand building opportunity. He shared he knew I could do this.  I could have died on the spot, facilitating a meeting for 200 people,  but I knew I needed to do it, so I agreed.  I spent the entire Thanksgiving break practicing and trying to keep the negative self talk out of my head. I stayed positive, practiced on my family and you know what, I nailed it.  Even when I didn’t necessarily believe in myself, Ted did, and I found myself working hard to not let him down.

If I could just shift that energy and power to myself -would I always win?