Working late into Friday evening I didn’t make it to the grocery store until close to 8pm. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I know. Weird. Foodie meets health optimization makes it one of the most fulfilling things I do. But, last Friday was a bit extra.
Some of you might have noticed that I have not been posting a lot of my own content since January 1. Sometimes I feel as if I don’t have anything to say that day or with social being so saturated, “wondering what is even the point?”
As I headed down the aisle tonight I was reminded, once again, that I’m wrong.I asked the store associate where they moved the Forager Coconut Milk to. This store moves items every few days. I swear.
He replied, “I just think we’re all out. Wait a minute. I think I know you?”
Of course, I thought he was mistaken.
“He probably thinks I’m some celebrity” I thought because I was shopping at Erewhon in the heart of West Hollywood. Not far from here I’d practiced yoga with Lady Gaga, Usher, Jessica Alba and Russell Simmons so it was not uncommon by any means. Someone once thought I was a rapper!
He insisted, “No, I follow you on Instagram. You’re a motivational speaker, right?”
I laughed inside “I hate that description” I thought to myself.I don’t cram people into the meeting rooms at the Ramada Inn, feed them cold cuts, and try to motivate them. I also don’t live in a van down by the river.
As I replied, “yes” he pulled my account up on his phone.
“Yeah, I really like your videos. I’m working on building my own business” he said, “this stuff really helps me.”
I immediately had this feeling inside. But, not sure what you’d call it? Relief? Fulfillment?
See, what you might not know is that forever I’ve struggled with not feeling good enough. And, there’s a lot of truth to what Tony Robbins say. That we fear not being good enough because we believe if we aren’t good enough then we won’t be loved. While I know it’s not true, it is a deep rooted belief I’ve been trying to unwire for the past 7 years. Actually, probably the past 39. I was reminded that night that I do matter. That even with a small social following it does matter if I post. I was reminded that you can — no you must — lead from where you’re at, with what you have, to the best of your ability.
So, thanks, Yaahnee, for the much needed reminder.We are all leaders even if we don’t have a title. We lead by how we show up.
Here’s 10 ways you can lead without a title:
- Be present
- Be kind
- Be thoughtful
- Be patient
- Be responsive
- Be self-aware
- Be socially-aware
- Work on yourself everyday
- Ask great questions
- Handwrite a letter of appreciation
P.S. Are you looking to develop bold, driven and future-focused leaders who are equipped with the skills to navigate the future of work? If so, I’d love to chat. Drop us at note at hello@mindshiftlabs.com
