Remove Your Straitjacket

Reach a new level of what you can do.

A few years ago I worked with an incredible marketing leader whose motto was: “A brand should not be a straitjacket but a springboard for success.”

How visual is that?

What words apply to your own career?

Having worked with leaders across industries and cultures, I saw fascinating insights on that “unstable” road to success and heard remarks about what holds us back or can propel us to the next level.  I distinctly recall one executive saying “I take off one day each quarter to ask questions of myself and my business. From there, I know which direction I’m going to take…”

That’s not earth shattering. Look in the mirror – it’s you. It’s all of us!

We can easily doubt or double guess ourselves. Place the blame on others. Become too fearful to take the next step-however small that step might be…

When I interviewed business leaders and entrepreneurs, I asked a simple question–”tell me what got you to where you are today…” Some of the replies:

I saw opportunities and took them.

I had someone to show me the ropes. 

I didn’t have a plan but was always open to try something new.

I took action and asked later.

One word, one common denominator through each statement. Control. Plain and simple. Choose where you want to go. Without control you step into the abyss, believing others are in control, thinking good things happen to those who wait. They seldom do.

A meaningful career requires you manage your destiny. Find out for yourself what got you here, right now.

Make scepticism your ally

Listen to positive voices, internally and externally

Trust your gut

Removing your straitjacket will lead you to a springboard towards greater success.

Featured image: Puglisita