My Unexpected Power Pose
I’m easily excitable. In fact, I bet most of my friends love telling me good news because I revel in the celebration like it’s my own. When one of my best friends told me she was pregnant, I was so excited I had to sit down and then I immediately asked if I could call my mom to tell her the good news. And just this week my husband and I were given a complimentary jar of spices from a restaurant where we celebrated our anniversary. You would have thought I won the lottery. And don’t even get me started on when I win $1 playing a scratch off lottery game…I could go on and on.
Most days I see my energy as a gift. At times though, I pull back. This especially happens when I’m talking with prospective clients, sensing my energy isn’t “working” for them. My biggest barrier is when I pull back before even starting the conversation. I can easily develop a story about how the other person will negatively perceive me: hyper, overexcited, spastic, unprofessional, overcaffeinated…which BTW, I NEVER am as I do not and cannot drink caffeine. Like I said, I have a lot of energy.
As one could guess, these stories can create a lot of internal tension, so I decided to get coached on it. I wanted to figure out why I was so “in my head” and how to get out! In talking with my extremely talented coach, I had an ah-ha moment…
I became aware that these prospective clients requested a meeting with me, not someone else. I then recalled a foundation principle from iPEC, where I received my coaching certification: “Energy Attracts Like Energy.” DUH! If it was me they were drawn to, then perhaps my energy is what drew them in! Got it.
I then determined a small action I would take prior to these meetings. A “power pose” felt fitting. Something to remind me to just “own it.” Be confident that these people chose to meet me. When I struck that traditional “super woman” pose though, I felt silly. I actually started laughing at myself because it felt extremely awkward and inauthentic. I then decided to turn on my mom’s favorite song and just started dancing. When I struck that final pose at the end, I was standing tall with my arms straight up and hands shaking with excitement. I felt joyful, I felt energized, I felt free…in short, I was unapologetically me.
My energy is and always will be my super power. Is it right for everyone? Nope! Instead of judging myself though and trying to be someone I’m not, I’m choosing to own the unexpected power pose filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement…jazz hands and all. And I’m always happy to refer prospects elsewhere to get the coach who is right for them.
