Unlock Your Potential: The Power of Picking Yourself
In a world that often waits for external validation, a simple yet profound concept can transform your life: pick yourself. This means taking initiative and believing in your own abilities rather than waiting for someone else to give you permission or opportunity.
Beyond Waiting for Invitations
Many systems encourage us to wait for others to choose us. Think about waiting to be invited onto a reality show, selected for a job, or for a company to seek you out at a career fair. This approach relies on external approval, suggesting that someone else must authorize your talents or ideas before they are considered valuable.
For instance, aspiring authors often wait for a publisher to discover their manuscript. They dream of a call saying, “We know you have a novel in you. Would you please write it, and we will publish it?” This scenario, while appealing, places the power entirely in someone else’s hands.
Taking Agency: The “Pick Yourself” Method
Mel Robbins, a motivational speaker and author, shares insights from speaking with thousands of individuals facing similar situations. Her advice for those with a creative project, like a book, is straightforward yet empowering: pick yourself.
Instead of waiting for a publishing deal, Robbins suggests a proactive approach. Create a digital version of your work, perhaps a PDF. Share it with about 20 people, and ask them to pass it along to others for free. If your work gains traction and spreads organically, it signals interest. This can lead to your phone ringing with opportunities, potentially getting you hired to create more.
If your work doesn’t spread, the message is clear: create something better. This cycle of creation, sharing, and refinement is a powerful way to build momentum and prove your worth through action, not just potential.
Overcoming the Awkwardness of Self-Promotion
The main hurdle is often the discomfort of self-promotion. Admitting, “I picked myself. I wrote this. Here, I made this,” can feel awkward or boastful. It’s often easier to follow a known recipe, like using a cookbook, than to create something original and offer it to others, especially people you care about.
However, embracing this self-initiated action is key to personal growth and freedom. When we identify what truly matters to us and then take steps to bring those ideas to life, we exercise agency. This agency is the foundation of freedom, allowing us to shape our own paths.
The Reward: Dignity and Freedom
The act of showing up, creating something meaningful, and offering it to the world is where true dignity lies. It’s about taking responsibility for your own contributions and recognizing their inherent value, regardless of external accolades.
Many people desire more dignity in their lives. By choosing to pick yourself, you are not seeking a prize or a medal, but reclaiming your power. This empowers you to act on your own terms, fostering a sense of self-respect and autonomy.
Who Can Benefit?
This advice is particularly relevant for anyone feeling stuck, waiting for external validation, or hesitant to share their ideas and creations. It applies to writers, artists, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and anyone with a passion project or a desire to make a change in their life or career.
Key Health Takeaways
- Take Initiative: Don’t wait for others to validate your ideas or talents. Start by believing in yourself and taking the first step.
- Create and Share: If you have a project, create a version of it and share it widely. Ask for feedback and encourage others to spread the word.
- Embrace Self-Reliance: Taking action on your own behalf builds confidence and demonstrates your capabilities.
- Focus on Agency: The freedom to act on your own ideas is a powerful source of self-worth and satisfaction.
- Build Resilience: If your initial efforts don’t yield immediate results, use the experience to improve and try again.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Source: Two Words That Will Change Your Life | Mel Robbins #Shorts (YouTube)
