There are times in our lives when we realize we either have to (re)discover who we truly are or (maybe slightly more simply) “re-brand” ourselves because we have changed–we are no longer who, how or where we used to be. We may have even allowed others to place us in boxes we don’t or never did identify with… and it can take us a while to harness the courage, and the effort needed to project and transform our own image as WE see it.
Not only can we personally and/or professionally experience a disconnect but countries have gone through a similar story. Take Holland for example. Some still think of Holland as a country.
It isn’t.
Holland is part of a group of provinces in what is officially called ‘Kingdom of the Netherlands’, much like New York is a State within the United States. And, like New York, New York, Utrecht is both a province in the Netherlands and a town within that province, (and yes, there is a North and South Holland province, but we won’t go there!)
Imagine the reeducation the Netherlands has had to initiate because somewhere along the way, Holland erroneously became better known as a country.
It’s important for us to identify ourselves. Who do we say that we are? How do we describe what we do? And what difference does it make?
During the National Speakers Association event last week, we learned from inspiring speakers who at one time or another emphasized how essential clarity and being laser-focused is to the delivery of our message and our ability to address the needs of our intended client. In Sonia Dumas’ uniquely distinctive presentation, she challenged us to be “unrivaled in your process” and to fully articulate “what high stakes problems” we would be solving.
To do what is ours to do, it’s important to fully embrace who we are so that we can meet the needs of those we serve. As you progress through life and work, you may face the metaphorical fork in the road. At such times you will need to make a choice or a determination about who you are and how you identify your next stage or step. When you do, remember what (the rest of) the Netherlands still have to do. It’s never too late to reposition yourself on the map and re-identify exactly where you belong.
Who do you say that you are?
