It’s time to be proud!
DON’T ‘DO NORMAL’ (and what is that anyway?)
One thing that pops up a lot in my sessions is dismantling how people make their success smaller than it is. Often they don’t dare to share their achievements for fear of being seen as arrogant.
The culture in the Netherlands, where I am based, is rooted in a ‘just be normal, don’t stick your neck out’ attitude. This is the ‘polder/consensus model’ in action, and it works well domestically. Consider it a ‘home game’ when playing sports. You know the turf, and you have a local crowd. All good.
However, when you have an ‘away game’ and are communicating on an international stage, the situation is shifted. In sports, you change your shirt, and in language, you change to English. This could also mean putting your track record more front and center, which you might not do at home.
Where I come from, we are (mostly) impressed and inspired by the success of others. Americans don’t see it as threatening.
Success lifts other people up.
It makes us feel that anything is possible, and inspires others to chase their dreams. ‘If she can do it…so can I!’
However, some people still see success as a threat. They are jealous, or angry that this didn’t happen to them. The ‘afgunst’ is real.
Has this happened to you? If so, consider it a natural filter. These people are not your people. Leave them behind. The people who are inspired by your track record are the people you need to surround yourself with.
Travel light, my friend. Onwards and upwards.
What are you proud of today? Let me know!
Love, Buffi
