Masquerading as Yourself in Your Career
As kids, and sometimes still as adults, we dress up at Halloween in costumes and make believe we’re someone else – maybe a bold pirate, a spellbinding witch, an enchanting princess -whatever character we choose to portray, they usually have some kind of magic feel about them. We get to pretend that we’re stepping into the shoes of someone more capable or powerful than us, someone doing what we only fantasize about or enjoy play- acting like.
I remember dressing up for a school party as the Indian princess, Pocohantas, with some female traits of Hiawatha mixed in. I’d act strong and sure of myself, imagining my important job to help my people to make needed changes while having my own family.
Truth is we play many parts, including someone who regularly conjures up new connections and opportunities. Even when we’ve got the training or experience needed in our career, it sometimes seems surreal that we’re in charge of a major project, handling important responsibilities, or performing in ways that set us apart and cause others to relate to us as experts and masters in our field. Isn’t this a shared similarity with our courageously competent, imaginary selves?
The next time you question your ability to perform or try on a new challenge, remember the last time you did something unusual or seemingly out-of-character and reaffirm with yourself that you are indeed in your element and capable of this action. If you forget, pull out your boldest costume when you get home, dress in it and act the part. You just might stop taking yourself so seriously and get back in touch with the warrior or magician within you.
Tags: a new challenge, ability to perform, Halloween, master in your field, strong and sure traits
