What do YOU want?
I ask this question a lot in my private coaching.
Whenever I initially ask my clients what they want, most of the time silence follows.
Sometimes I hear an indignant chuckle, as if they have no right to answer that question at all.
Other times, I get a sheepish, "I don't know."
What's amusing to me is that whenever I ask a client what they don't want, it's as if a dam breaks; their answers flood in and seem to go on forever.
So, let me ask you, again, right now, "What do you want?"
Without over-thinking it, blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind.
Does admitting your true desire make you feel selfish?
Do you feel you need to check in with your co-workers, your best friend, your family or your significant other to ensure it's OK to want such a thing?
Before you fall down the rabbit hole of needing approval for your wants, let me remind you that there is nothing wrong or selfish about admitting what you want.
In fact, it's quite the opposite.
When you admit what you want and decide to take action on getting it, you are at your best. You are able to serve yourself and others in a grander, more authentic way.
I believe it's time we reclaim the word "selfish."
The way I see it, admitting what you want is a good thing. It means you honor your wants and take care of yourself, which makes room in your life for:
Seeing the bigger picture Being open to opportunities More time for things that actually matterWhen you take care of you own needs, you shine; other people are naturally attracted to shiny, happy things.
You deserve to put yourself first.
Shut out the voices that tell you are selfish and self-centered. Those voices are all in your head.
Now, let me ask you again, and this time, answer with clarity and certainty:
"What do you really want?"
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Nozomi Morgan, MBA, is a certified Executive Coach and the Founder and President of Michiki Morgan Worldwide LLC. Addition to coaching, she speaks and trains on leadership, career, professional development and cross-cultural business communication.
Visit www.nozomimorgan.com to learn more about Nozomi . There, you can download the free Leadership Discovery Tool. Follow Nozomi on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google+.
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