What does it mean to stand in your own power? What would it mean to YOU if you were to fully stand in your own power?

I still remember when I was taking a series of transformational workshops and did a ropes course. I was just transitioning my services from consulting to coaching, and was experiencing a lot of internal resistance and self-doubt. I was TRAINED to be the expert! Now I was TRYING to be the coach! And because of the glimpses I witnessed of the power of my coaching, I knew that I could really make a difference in a lot of people’s lives…

IF I were to totally stand in my own power!

During that ropes course, in North Carolina, with a hurricane on the way, and warm rain gently beating down on us, we approached this 30 foot tall pole. Our group stopped and looked at it and no one spoke. Our leader asked who would go first. Well, I’m not afraid of heights, plus, we were wearing harnesses and the likelihood of getting hurt was extremely small. So, I volunteered. Piece of cake!

Right?

As I climbed higher and higher, I noticed that the pole was starting to sway. Whoa! And the wind was stronger the higher I went. But, I grew up climbing trees and walls, etc, so this shouldn’t be any problem.

Then I came to the top. It never dawned on me that I’d be in a situation where I would have to let go of my hands for that last step! And I froze. My ego quickly deflated. Here I had brazenly said “piece of cake” and I now couldn’t move! Who DID I think I was?

It took all the self-conviction I could muster to let go of those last rings and trust that I could leap from the side of the pole to standing at the top. I had to trust that if I fell, I wouldn’t hurt myself.

Finally, there I was; standing at the top of the pole!… in the rain and wind… on this TINY little platform!

Next step was to turn around, grab the bar and JUMP. After what felt like an eternity going from the side of the pole to standing on top of it, the jump seemed inconsequential. Until I did it.

Which brings me to the point of my story:

When I jumped, my purpose and power flashed before me. I was able to see that I COULD do anything I put my mind to! It’s not whether we succeed or fail that builds our power. It’s striving for what we dream of. THAT’S what enables us to stand in our power! Only when we risk living our true purpose do we really make a difference in the world. And a difference in those we serve.

Today I am standing in my power! And I risk as a regular basis of doing business. But that’s how I can help my clients succeed, too! Today I change people’s lives, and my business is flourishing as a result.

What do you shy away from out of fear? How does that hold you back from living your dream, hold you back from standing in YOUR power? How does that hold you back from the success you yearn for? Continue reading →