You know the one…it starts with a D and ends in T (its name shall not be mentioned).
Maybe if I was more witty, or a better communicator, or perhaps a bit more assertive – heck…even taller!
It speaks to the best of us. None are immune. But as I counsel my son: “It’s not that you hear that little voice, it’s how you respond to it.”  How you decide to show up while it’s singing in your ear; how you continue to grow and give of yourself all the while.

You have goals. You have dreams. That’s why you’re reading this right now. You’ve heard all the cliques about working hard, following your dreams, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. And those are straight-up valid mantras, but when it’s just you in your bathroom feeling defeated and discouraged; just you trying to figure out if this is just a pipe dream; just you on the verge of giving up, shoulders heavy with dejection and heart weary…

I feel you. All the mantras on the internet won’t help. You know what will? Remembering why you started. Remembering what your purpose is and all the people who can benefit from what you have to offer. They’re waiting. They’re waiting to learn about you. They’re waiting for your service or product to solve a problem that they have. You. No one else. Because there is only one you – but you know that, right?

Your audience is not your audience until you have their attention. Until then, they are the market. They are definitely interested in the type of product or service you offer, but they are not yet interested in YOUR product or service. Let’s change that. Let’s introduce them to YOUR unique brand and welcome them into the tribe. Then, they’re your audience. Why? Because then they are listening.

The takeaway?
The brands you admire aren’t necessarily more witty, or better communicators than you. (And I’ve met some pretty stature-challenged successful leaders.) They’ve simply learned their strengths and are using them to succeed. Push aside that voice that shall remain nameless. Channel your energy into learning your strengths, fine tuning your voice, and building your brand. Then show up confidently and genuinely. I, for one, can’t wait to meet you!

Hey! I just received a text message from your audience. It said “No apologies needed.”