In the past month, I have had the pleasure of meeting intelligent, engaging and ambitious professionals from all walks of life in my new role within the walls of Corporate America. Some of them have been colleagues, others partners we work with, a few candidates looking to join the organization, and even more vendors hoping to partner with the company in the future.
We have control
What I find interesting is that within any one given group I have come across, there are individuals that seem entirely subject to their surroundings. They have surrendered their personal brand to the organization for which they work, they are lost within their surroundings, and they no longer know who or what they stand for in life. I have breaking news for those folks, we have control!
In every decision, every minute of the day, you have a choice in the matter at hand. Do you want a tall non-fat cappuccino or a simple drip coffee? You decide. Do you want to work in corporate America or start your own personal business? You decide. No one is forcing you to be anywhere at any given time. This is America, we have control. That is the beauty.
Own your brand
If you find yourself in surroundings that eat away at you, own it. YOU are the only one who can change it. Is that a way to say “Quit your job!”, goodness no. It’s a way to say, own it. When someone interacts with you, it’s a reflection of your personal brand. If you’re unhappy in your professional life – be it your own business or a corporate role – it’s how your personal brand is perceived. That unhappiness seeps through to interviews, meetings and your personal life. Own your brand and take control of changing it.
Taking control: 3 easy ways
I’m going to give you the 3 easy ways to take control that only took me 10 years (and nearly $20K in therapy) to learn.
- Thoughts become things – think Pinterest – it’s a powerful vision board that essentially creates a Pin board of your personal brand – what does it look like to own your success? Then think of yourself already there and it will happen. Caution: this works well so be careful what you ask for
- Power of love – this is a biggie – have you ever met a successful person who lacked passion? Steve Jobs, Blake Mycoskie of Toms, Mark Zuckerberg all led with passion and a love for what they do each day which had delivered success professionally and personally for them.
- Accountability – ask yourself regularly “am I owning this or am I being a victim to this situation?” this one question will keep you present in the situation
