Play Big

I recently attending a training where we were asked to identify the ways in which we limit ourselves. One of the participants responded that he had limited himself in the past year, as he put it, "by playing small." Now if you were to meet this gentleman I assure you there was nothing, I repeat NOTHING about him that suggested he had ever done anything less than full out. When he spoke, his presence filled the meeting room. He had an intensity and focus that bordered on overpowering. I could not possibly imagine any way in which he might be "playing small." But indeed he went on to relate a number of ways he had stopped short in the past year of going after what he really wanted in his life and business.

Fast forward two weeks and I was chatting with someone I have known through Toastmasters for many years. He commented that he would like to see me again dive into contests and compete above the club level. My response was: "Well, I've been standing back in hopes that it might inspire some newer members to step forward." He responded, "What encourages newer members to compete is seeing people like you step up and inspire them to go for it!"

Then it dawned on me that this is what it means to "play small": diminishing ourselves so others won't feel intimidated around us. Quieting our voices in the hopes that the silence will inspire others to speak up. Stopping just short of the goal to "let" someone else have a moment of glory. Don't get me wrong. I understand there is a time and place for keeping silent, for allowing others voices to be heard. But as author and inspirational speaker Marianne Williamson so eloquently put it, "your playing small doesn't serve the world."

And so I ask you, where in your life or business are you "playing small," under the guise of letting others shine? Where are you playing small so as not to overshadow someone else? Or playing small by not going after what you really want?

The conversation I had with my Toastmasters friend happened following a funeral; certainly an appropriate time to examine where one might not be giving life their all. It was my friend's comment after my "I'm holding back" statement that really nailed me. He said, "Do you think Michael Phelps would have won eight Olympic gold medals if he had held back in hopes that some lesser swimmer would excel?" Gulp.

If I learn no other lesson in the year 2008 than this one about playing small, it will be enough. My playing small does not serve the world. Nor does yours. The world needs your unique brand of championship performance. If you're a teacher, decide to play big in the classroom this year. If you're a consultant decide to play big by going after the client you really want rather than settling for the one you know you can get. If you're in sales, make the call to the prospect who scares the pants off of you, or make one more phone call today before you leave the office. If you've avoided public speaking situations, play big this year and get beyond that fear. Regardless of what you do in life or business there is a way to play a bigger game, to give more than you think you're capable of.

The world needs people who are willing to pull out the stops...who are willing to play big. Will you be one of them?

Quote of the Week:

"When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it--don't back down and don't give up--then you're going to mystify a lot of folks."

~~Bob Dylan

"Transforming Your Potential into Performance!"
Betty Mahalik, PCC Life & Business Coach, Trainer bettym@dynamic-coaching.com www.dynamic-coaching.com	Dynamic Solutions 5240 Mustang St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 tel: 702 658-4425 fax: 702 658-5802 mobile: 702 443-0175
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