My 2021 Choice: Be Fierce

A version of this article was published on Thrive Global on May 13, 2021.

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash

If I were to ask friends and colleagues to give a list of my qualities, I bet most would say that I’m confident. I’ll admit, I can command a room – I was also blessed (or cursed) with a very loud voice. There is a big difference though between external and internal confidence. Fake it til you make it has always been my motto. After over 15 years in the “real world,” I’m still waiting for that “make it” part to happen. I’m afraid I may never hit it though as I’ve come to realize my greatest fear IS making it. Success terrifies me.

This may sound confusing. It confused me as well, until I actually broke it down. It started when I was young. I was pretty good at soccer, but never wanted to make varsity in high school. What if I couldn’t deliver, once on the team? This thought process has continued throughout my life. Promotions brought on stress and anxiety. I actually thought twice about accepting a VP title and tried negotiating a lower raise. TRUE STORY.

That was my past. I’ve decided I’m no longer choosing fear. I’m choosing to BE FIERCE. Just writing that gives me a sense of power. What has changed? In general, I am an optimistic person; however, this is far more than having a positive mindset or outlook. Since September, I’ve been working on my mental fitness. That’s right, MENTAL fitness. Every day I do a series of exercises and use specific techniques to strengthen the “positive” side of my brain. Like physical fitness, it’s not always easy and the results aren’t instant. The more I practice though, the more clear-headed I feel when I’m in or facing a tough situation.

2020 was difficult, and I’m sure 2021 won’t be a breeze (the vaccine does give me hope!). My mind gym is open 24/7 though, and I can’t wait to hit the weights even harder in the New Year (bonus, no mask required). I’m looking success straight in the eye, and I’m going after it. It’s not terrifying either, it’s exciting!

Fake it til you make it? No. My fierce self is going to believe it—even if “it” may feel impossible—til it’s real.