“Be yourself. Everybody else is taken”
This is a quote from Oscar Wilde. Is it a recipe for acceptance – passively accepting the status quo?
Or does it exhort us to be proud of what we are?
In my last article, I proposed a different interpretation. I proposed that instead we make “Be yourself” a call to action, a call to create a better self. I said ‘yes’ to accepting ourselves as we are, but I proposed acceptance, with growth.
I called on the ambitious among you to ‘Be yourself at your highest level’.
But how to reach this level, the one above merely successful?
The invitation to step up to your Highest Level Performance doesn’t attract everyone.
Highest Level Performance: for myself and my clients. This is what calls me, and has done for many years.
But we are all very different. Some of us seek success and continuous growth, through promotion, professional development, courses, reflective practice, learning. Others are happy to stay in a safe job, drawing a safe salary. Others are somewhere in between.
Not every successful person is ambitious
But I’ve found that many high-achieving senior managers, C-level leaders and entrepreneurs are thoroughly successful and they are STILL ambitious to keep learning and developing. So I have designed a process for them, those who want:
- to be more influential
- to do more good in the world
- to advance the frontiers of science, leadership or their specialist area of business
- so they can give a better future to their family
- so they can expressed use the potential they know they have inside
- to galvanise action and progress in ways that would make a positive difference in their organisation, in the community or in the world.
- to step into the Highest Level version of themself and their Highest Level Performance. Sustainably.
I’ve been developing my signature system over many years, combining insights, programmes and techniques I’ve tried and tested myself with ideas discovered from others, packaging skills developed through my own experience with inspiration and facts I’ve learnt through courses, books and experts.
How does the Highest Level Performance system work?
There’s no space here to clarify fully, so contact me here if you’d like to know more.
But here is a taste of how you can get started.
Ask yourself a question
One question to ask is: “If you could be your best, what parts of your personality would you want to develop, or give more expression to?”
This keeps the connection with your own inner self, your true identity, making it your choice. It prevents the feeling that something is being imposed ON you, from outside.
Another approach is through Identity Questions, such as:
- How do you see yourself?
- Who are you being?
- How do you choose to be?
A simple activity that gives powerful insights …
Here’s a slimmed-down version of another activity using Identity Statements that my clients find useful. Why not try it yourself? It’s got 4 steps.
1) Choose 3 words that describe you. Write these down. Adjectives work best.
Eg: I’m reliable, hard-working, thorough
2) Now, think of who you could be, at your best. What 3 words describe this best version of you? Stretch yourself. Make this your Identity Statement: Eg: I’m confident, intellectually astute, empowering
3) Finally, ask yourself “What do I need to change to fit the new identity I’ve created?” List the behaviours you’d need to change, in communication, leadership, body language etc.
I guarantee you’ll gain some insights into what you could do differently.
4) Be sure to turn your insights into action. Start now!
If you’re ready to get my help to achieve your Highest Level Performance, and tired of procrastinating, contact me now.
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