Hello my friend,

Whoosh! How are you doing?

Whizz! What’s the last week been like?

Zoom! OK, that sound of life speeding past is getting a bit much.

Time to put on the breaks. And breathe; it’s Monday morning after all. Time to top up your coffee and settle in to the new week.

Over the last few weeks I have been firmly in ‘delivery’ mode: two runs of my ‘Sort Your Biz Out, Mate!’ workshop; lots of client calls and coaching events; a presentation or two; and copious D&D sessions. Lots of different outputs with varied outcomes.

There has been one constant, though. One thread which is pulled time and time again.

What is it? Being known for being good.

Good at what I do; a good person to listen to; to talk to; to engage with. Whether or not I believe it myself in the moment it is the feedback of others which really counts.

One kind person (thanks, Martin!) said in their round-up of last weeks’ workshop that I am ‘a creative coach at the top of my game’. Wow! I know my communities to be very kind and supportive generally but to say this publicly? Scoots McBoots! I was bowled over.

Although we know each other, you and I, and I am not afraid of sharing what’s on my mind I hope you do not think me to be big-headed. I am aware that being aware (is this meta-awareness?!) of what I am saying is a good thing however I don’t want to dull my confidence.

Because - today - I am confident.

Taking this and running with it, carefully, is what will make good things happen. Awareness coupled with acceptance, daubed with action. Cue progress! Avoiding complacency - “I am good so there’s no need to change.” - is front of mind right now, too.

The question is… Are you good? Are you know for getting in, doing the thing, and leaving the place better than when you arrived?

Do you believe you are?

If you’re not sure but people are telling you as much, will you allow yourself the belief that you are good?

I hope so.

It can be a scary ride finding out, especially if you’re leading with somewhat untested confidence. It’s good to be bold and this isn’t to say don’t test your beliefs. In fact, you absolutely should.

At some point you’re going to find out. Asking people; listening to them; learning from their perceptions of you. Bloody terrifying, I know. I mean what if you’re not as good as you thought? I’ve been there a few times in my life and it sucks.

But - and here’s something else I believe to be true - if you are aware enough to fear not being good in other people’s eyes you are good.

Seriously. You. Are. Good.

You have your eyes open and are ready to receive. You’re on the baseline, ready to serve. This I know to be true because I feel it. Deep down. For me; for you; for those around us.

Now. What are you going to do with this new, very powerful knowledge? I’ll be forging ahead knowing I can (but still being mindful of that complacency).

Gimme a shout if you want to sound off about it. I’m all ears.

TTFN,

Tom