Preface
I have the privilege of working with adult learners in a number of capacities. Whether it is working as a lecturer at a university, coaching or working with teams, departments, or whole organizations in my role as an organization development practitioner, the same lack of confidence in talent and our unique self is universal. Even the seemingly most self-absorbed individuals who apparently appear oblivious to their weaknesses are filled with the most crushing aspects of self-doubt.
I stand in front of leadership groups exhorting them to BE the best leader they can be and I get worried looks and gallows humor. To stand in front of a group of individuals in corporate life and declare that I am awesome—I am by the way—is met with suspicion and an uncomfortable shift in their seats.
At what point do we stop believing that we CAN be and do anything that we set our minds to? In part, the blame lives in the education system, which measures everyone by the same yard stick of academic ability, rather than seek to realize the unique ability and talent (whatever that is) of each individual. But, it is also part of our cultural, social, economic, and political makeup. The discomfort we feel at someone saying they are awesome is programmed into us. Thou Shalt Not Boast.
This book is written with a heartfelt belief that YOU ARE awesome and YOU do have a unique talent. This exhortation isn’t just for your benefit; it is for all our benefits.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
—Marianne Williamson.