Have you ever walked into a meeting or board room and felt small? Have you ever had someone make a comment to you that made you feel small because you were different in some way? Maybe you’re the only new hire in a room of long-term employees. Or maybe you’re the only women in a room full of men.
Whatever sets you apart from others, there is no reason to feel small or insecure. When you question your value, it affects how you walk into a room, how you present yourself, how you interact with others. Feeling small does not serve you. If this ever happens to you, here are three things to get your confidence back:
1. Know that you’re not alone.
Even the most confident person occasionally feels different or has doubt of their value. The term ‘Imposter Syndrome’ is common where you question if you belong and you second-guess how you got to where you are. Don’t buy into it. You have value, you have worth, you deserve a seat at the table.
2. What makes you different is what makes you more valuable. If you walk into a room and you feel different than everyone else, don’t equate different with being of lesser value. Celebrate what makes you unique. No one wants everyone on the team to be the same. Walk in that room with confidence that your difference is added value to the team.
3. Remind yourself of your value. When you feel small, or less-than others because they seem bigger than life to you, I have an idea for you. Recently, I was invited to a private reception at the home of the Prime Minister of France. There was a moment where Prime Minister Madame Borne, who is slight in stature, was in a conversation with several men who were physically larger than her. All I could think of was a line that was taught to me whenever I felt smaller than those around me: “I am a dime among nickels.” Yes, she was smaller then the men around her, but she was the most powerful person in that room. Just like a dime is smaller than a nickel, but it has more value.
The next time you need a boost of confidence, and you are feeling small, shift your mindset and remind yourself that you are a dime among nickels. And a final reminder, never let a voice tell you that you are small…especially if that voice is yours.
Happy Front-Row Friday and I’ll see you soon –
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn
