I’ve spent way too much time in my life second-guessing myself and living with the imposter syndrome. I’m not alone. Many very accomplished, and even famous people, mostly women, deal with the challenge of embracing and owning our accomplishments as more than just luck. I was struck when reading about one of my all-time favorite authors and poet, Maya Angelou. As accomplished as she was – author of numerous books, Grammy winner, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominee – this amazing woman still had feelings of being found out. This year the country feels different, especially for women. And for all the females out there (and supporting men) I think it’s past time we all reach out and grab our badassery brass ring and don’t look back. Are you with me?
Take A Risk
I’ve often dreamed about starting a business, becoming an entrepreneur, or doing something risky that eventually reaps big rewards. But, this little voice in my head is overridden by the pragmatic side of life that’s full of obligations and responsibilities. While I’m not advocating we all launch into a midlife or millennial life crisis and abandon all rational thought and responsibilities, I am suggesting that risks come in different shapes and sizes, and we should open our minds to possibilities. Think about tapping further into your expertise and talents. What is something you’ve always wanted to do? What makes you happy? Can you turn your passions into revenue? What kind of a leap are you willing to take?
Do something you’ve never done
Now is the time. A few years ago, my great desire was to bungee jump. Somehow, I’ve moved off that, but there are plenty of others things I haven’t tried or would like to explore. A couple of low-hanging fruit ideas I have in mind are to take a cake decorating class. I’ve dabbled by buying some way overpriced kit with all sorts of pastry bags and frosting tips, but my attempts at using all these tools results in my frosting looking like a first-grader was at the helm. I know I can do better. My other thought is tackling a DIY project involving a piece of furniture. Pinterest makes it look so damn easy, and all those home improvement shows leave us with the impression that if you can’t remodel your office in a day, you simply are a lacking human being. I can’t have that. I need to think bigger and bolder about what else I’ll tackle, but it’s only February so I’ll pace myself on this one.
Invite others along
Badassery is a shared thing. The more you spread it around, the stronger it is. Are there group efforts or projects you want to dive into? A club you want to start? One great example is something a good friend of mine recently started called the F Bomb Breakfast Club. It’s a monthly gathering for female founders and aspiring entrepreneurs. She hit a chord and created a local movement. This group is on fire, and who knows where it will go or how big it will get. Consider inviting others along on your badassery journey, whatever that may be.
Be Unapologetic
It’s time. No, I don’t care if marches inconvenience people for a day. No, I don’t care that congressmen’s email boxes are jammed because we’re demanding they pay attention to the inexcusable actions and inequities happening every day in the White House. No, I don’t care if you think boycotting products connected to the White House is petty. No, I don’t care if people are uncomfortable talking about race. We need to talk about it. Now. No, I won’t give POTUS time. No, no and no.
Badassery is about grabbing the brass ring and soaring with purpose. I encourage you to join me.