Be Brave: Show Up

A pandemic is the perfect opportunity for introverts–extroverts we’re always looking for new members!--to crawl into a little cocoon of perceived safety, away from the noise. There are countless moments in our life that it’s a bit easier to skirt away than to show up: asking for the salary you know you need--and deserve--or applying for a new job because, well, it’s the New Year in a job market like no other shouldn’t we all be out there taking advantage of that?  Showing up is also knowing when the right thing to do is stay put.

We all have moments when we’re stuck and afraid to either put ourselves out there and go for it or stay where we are. Sometimes showing up doesn’t mean making a big break. Sometimes showing up can be as simple as trusting yourself. Writing down what you need and having some good reading material to back you up are some solid places to start.

Asking doesn’t always mean asking someone else–often, it’s asking ourselves for permission.

Ask yourself, first

Yes, you have permission to start looking for a new job. Yes, you have permission to stop thinking you need a new job because everyone else seems to be happily posting and sharing that they just landed a great new job. Give yourself permission to acknowledge to yourself that you deserve a raise, a better rate, a better benefit package, or simply the grace to accept being content in your current role.

Giving yourself permission first is just as important as figuring out what to do next.  Asking for what you want when it’s rooted in what you need can make it a lot easier.

Create the path

Write down what you find out when you sit with yourself and give yourself permission to want what you want. Write it down. Maybe you find out that yes, you deserve a pay increase. Yes, you accomplished so many goals this year that you really deserve that promised bonus. Be specific, write it down. You can also create a Google Sheet to help you track your progress or keep track of important budget-related goals.

Documenting your needs helps create the path to move forward. Writing down our wishes and thoughts helps us define all of the details that help either bring our wish to life or help us carve a timeline for when we may need to make a change. Once you have your list, consider the following steps:

Read

Reading a physical book can help focus your energy and minimize distraction. Here’s some solid recommendations depending on what situation you find yourself in–either going for that promotion or staying put.

Here are some recommendations: