Owning your strengths

For many years I struggled with confidence, although most people would probably not even realize it. I have a very vivid memory from high school when someone told me I was incompetent (which, when I look back I don’t think that person was even using it correctly, but that doesn’t change the affect the experience had on me) and it stuck with me well into adulthood.

Pair that with my anti-conflict personality and we’ve got someone who typically sits back and lets things happen around me, going with the flow no matter how I truly feel in a situation and that just breeds frustration, exhaustion and unhappiness in the long run.

Now that I am in my thirties, I have really reflected on my strengths and the moments when I have downplayed them and taken a backseat, rather than stepping up and into where I thrive and can help others the most. As a result I’ve begun standing up for myself more often, speaking confidently when I know I can accomplish something and taking leaps when I have a goal or a dream. It doesn’t make it less scary, but it has definitely increased my confidence to speak with authority when I know it’s an area I am qualified.

The thing is, I think people in support roles often sit back rather than speak up. And while there is a time and a place for sitting back, people in administrative and assistant roles should have a voice as well. I encourage you to find your voice, speak and carry yourself with confidence because your role is important too.