Comfort Zone

I did a thing a few weeks ago - I submitted an RFP to my city, to provide some training to managers who have been internally promoted.

It was a ton of work (unpaid at that - unless I win the bid), and I had to pull a team together, because I needed other experts to deliver the best option in my proposal.

I have to admit - I am really REALLY proud of what I put together. I have a highly-experienced, and friendly team filled with expertise, knowledge, and interest. We've all got great ideas, and contributions that have already changed how I approach projects. I truly hope we win the bid - but even if we don't, I am excited to say I submitted an RFP officially. It's a skill to be sure.

A few months before I pulled this RFP together, I attended a networking event - it was HUGE - more than 300 people. Mostly finance and PE people - not my crowd AT ALL. I am a words girl - not a money [numbers] lady (though I am pretty good at spending)!

But, after studying the crowd, and defining a crystal clear pitch line - that had the money bros (sorry - but most of them were bros) leaning in asking "tell me more about that..." I was proud of myself for showing up in that room, on that day. I was really nervous - and felt out of place in that room.

You know what I've learned, repeatedly, over the past 2 years? I belong in any freaking room I want to walk into. Also, I don't have to stay in any freaking room I don't feel like staying in.

~ Me (Laura)

Deciding to show up, isn't new. Feeling empowered to know where I want to be, and then putting myself there IS new. Getting more comfortable being uncomfortable is growing on me. Trying new things and leaning into other ways of showing up works - for me. I actually might LIKE feeling uncomfortable these days because it gives me a stretch goal and feeling of accomplishment that isn't always easy to find when you work for yourself.

Back in my corporate life, I used to get jazzed about leading something new, or pulling off a challenge. Leaders would praise me and thank me for my efforts - I liked it. Who wouldn't? But there isn't a leader to heap praise on me when I do something cool, or hard, or figure out a way to handle a challenge anymore. It's just me.

So showing up in the room filled with not-my-people, and finishing a strong RFP - hitting submit 22 hours before it was due, gives me a rush - similar to those kudos that made me smile back when I had a boss. I'm still really proud of what I'm doing - and I actually do tell myself I'm proud - but I realize now that I have to go out looking for ways to grow now that I am in charge of me.

Maybe that was always true, but I can see it more clearly now. Go do something hard today - then make sure you take time to be really proud of yourself!