Sometimes you need to hear it from the top
Yesterday was a pivotal moment in my life. That is a big call I know, but it was a conversation with my mentor that I didn't realise would have such an impact.
I was rambling as I do about business, and explaining to him what I was doing - basically giving him an update. I had listened to him when he gave me some important, game changing advice, and his strategy for my business made perfect sense to me moving forward, so the wheels are now in motion.
In fact, I was using this advice, and kicking some serious goals.
I'm proud of you
Then the bombshell. He said, "I am very proud of you."
I never look for praise, and while I do receive it from time to time, I suppose I never take it in. Two instances of late where I have, have come from my best friend of over 20 years, and of course, my mentor.
My father has passed
My father passed away a few years back and didn't really know what I did. My mother doesn't really know what I do. I am not the daughter that rings up and says "I achieved this today" and have been brought up not to skite about achievements. So, in some ways that has suppressed many of the accomplishments that have been made along the way. I don't talk about "winning" or "succeeding" or achieving a bucket list item to my family and friends.
In many ways, my biggest outlet happens to be this blog.
For the man that I hold in the highest esteem, and admire most in the world, to say that to me, made me pause. Previous to that we were talking about the fact that I didn't think I needed people to praise me or to be acknowledged for my work. He called me out. He said, "of course we all like to hear that we are doing a good job."
I thought about it, and in my mind, it matters only when it comes from the unexpected or from someone that means a lot to you.
I look up to my mentor
In this case, I look up to my mentor. I admire his business accomplishments, ability to always make time for friends and his family values. They are the things that I respect in a person. They are the things that I want to be myself.
It is true that I am kicking goals, but its only because I am listening to people wiser than I will ever be. They are so smart that I can only dream of having half their intelligence. Talking to him yesterday reminded me that the sky is the limit. I really have the ability to achieve things that I never thought were possible. On top of that, I have a great team behind me routing for me and our brand all the way.
For him to say that he is proud, meant something. He is right. From the right person, it means everything when you are acknowledged. How lucky am I to have such amazing people in my life? Blessed is all I can say.
I was rambling as I do about business, and explaining to him what I was doing - basically giving him an update. I had listened to him when he gave me some important, game changing advice, and his strategy for my business made perfect sense to me moving forward, so the wheels are now in motion.
In fact, I was using this advice, and kicking some serious goals.
I'm proud of you
Then the bombshell. He said, "I am very proud of you."
I never look for praise, and while I do receive it from time to time, I suppose I never take it in. Two instances of late where I have, have come from my best friend of over 20 years, and of course, my mentor.
My father has passed
My father passed away a few years back and didn't really know what I did. My mother doesn't really know what I do. I am not the daughter that rings up and says "I achieved this today" and have been brought up not to skite about achievements. So, in some ways that has suppressed many of the accomplishments that have been made along the way. I don't talk about "winning" or "succeeding" or achieving a bucket list item to my family and friends.
In many ways, my biggest outlet happens to be this blog.
For the man that I hold in the highest esteem, and admire most in the world, to say that to me, made me pause. Previous to that we were talking about the fact that I didn't think I needed people to praise me or to be acknowledged for my work. He called me out. He said, "of course we all like to hear that we are doing a good job."
I thought about it, and in my mind, it matters only when it comes from the unexpected or from someone that means a lot to you.
I look up to my mentor
In this case, I look up to my mentor. I admire his business accomplishments, ability to always make time for friends and his family values. They are the things that I respect in a person. They are the things that I want to be myself.
It is true that I am kicking goals, but its only because I am listening to people wiser than I will ever be. They are so smart that I can only dream of having half their intelligence. Talking to him yesterday reminded me that the sky is the limit. I really have the ability to achieve things that I never thought were possible. On top of that, I have a great team behind me routing for me and our brand all the way.
For him to say that he is proud, meant something. He is right. From the right person, it means everything when you are acknowledged. How lucky am I to have such amazing people in my life? Blessed is all I can say.
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Natalie
18 Sep 2016I really relate to this article on a personal level. After spending the first nineteen years of my life avoiding the spotlight and praise, whilst ensuring I gave the praise and acknowledgement to my colleagues I have encountered, I am slowly learning that it is okay to feel proud of yourself and accept people's compliments. It is easy to forget our value to a business or to people in our lives and sometimes (probably all of the time), it is the motivation we need to perform a little better, dream a little bigger and smash as many goals, especially the ones we deem impossible. Thank you for the reminder Mellissah Smith! It came at a much needed time.
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