FRIDAY THOUGHTS

Hey You! 

Yes. 

YOU.

No more running. 

No more bowing out.

No more declining opportunities.

No more playing small.

No more false humility.

No more capitulating.

No more hiding.

No more fear.

Remember who invited, hired, wanted, sought, or included you, why you’re there, and what you bring to the table— no matter who smiles, but actually hates to see you walking through the door. 

Don’t anticipate problems, but don’t let the ones that exist, or have been allowed to persist, consume your energy. Your job is your job. Do it well.

Be teachable, follow the leader—not the one who wants to be—mind your manners, and stay in the room. You’ve got this. It’s the task, and the successful execution of it, that matters.

The only person you can effectively control, is yourself. The disgruntled, messy, gossipy, and insecure, will undoubtedly show themselves. They can’t help it. Their favorite prey are the new kid, the skilled kid, the capable kid, the passive kid, the peace and harmony-loving kid, and the knowledgeable kid on the block. They’ll puff up, be loud, and attempt to challenge, supervise, correct, target, aggravate, intimidate, bully, distract, patronize, ridicule, exhaust, question, or undermine. Stay on your game. The mistake is being accommodating to, or worried about them, as opposed to being amused. Don’t ignore your discernment. You’re not being sensitive nor paranoid. You’ve encountered that “who does he/she think he/she is?”, “This is MY lane” spirit many times. Its goal is to make you question your competence or suitability, make you think that a worthwhile thing isn’t worth it, and send you packing. Don’t fall for, nor be discouraged by sneaky tactics nor words— innocent and harmless though they pretend to be. 

Stay focused on the task. Competence and excellence matter. Maintain or exceed the standard. 

Mediocrity thrives, and becomes the immovable, acceptable norm when capable people—often for good reason— decide to throw in the towel.

Remember— you’re there for a reason.