Own Your Awesome

Want to lead? Ready to serve? Own your awesome.

Yesterday in church, we discussed leadership and service and some of the pitfalls that can handicap
our success; including insecurity, envy, and pride. We started talking about how to avoid some of these natural pitfalls and an amazing friend raised her hand with an idea. She said she knew this was kind of a different idea, but in  her experience, before we can offer our best to others, we often need to first recognize and own our awesome.

This idea really resonated with me, especially because I’ve seen how lack of confidence, envy, and insecurity create unnecessary barriers for people (including myself). It can misdirect our goal setting from what really matters and derail a positive service opportunity into a negative experience. Someone with amazing potential to lead and serve others can instead discourage participants, break down confidence, and decrease motivation when they are driven by insecurities.

When we talk about acknowledging and owning our awesome, this can sometimes fly in the face of conventional wisdom about humility. Owning your awesome is actually a bit different than saying you’re awesome (although acknowledging your worth is a great thing).The idea is not to figure out how you’re better than others, however, but to recognize what you have to contribute. Part of doing and giving our best is recognizing what you have to offer  When you’re confident and comfortable in our own skin, aware of your awesome skills, and attuned to achievable goals for improvement, you are actually in a better place to help, serve, and lead others.

Leaders Who Own Their Awesome:

1. Act confidently and recognize that their value is not threatened or determined by others.

2. Encourage the best in others and allow them space to learn and grow. They also do the same for themselves, allowing time to rejuvenate and build personal skills.

3. Recognize that sometimes the process of brainstorming, planning, organizing, team building, and skill building is more important than a perfect event or outcome.

4. Guide others. They don’t need to micromanage or direct every little thing. They allow themselves and others to make mistakes. They recognize that there is more than one way to do something well.

5. Define Success Differently. They don’t need recognition or accolades to confirm their awesome.

Reading blogs daily, I know so many incredible people looking to lead and serve in their families, churches, communities, workplaces, service clubs, and more. Want to be a successful leader? Own your awesome.