Who are you, at your best?

On Friday night I went busking.

Now that's not a sentence I never thought I would say.

But for those who follow me on LinkedIn, you will know that one of my many identities is a dancer in a 30 piece Samba drum band.

It was splendid.

The sun was shining, and the crowd had that 'after-work, beginning of summer, 3-pints in, al-fresco drinking' buzz.

As we were getting set up, I chatted to one of my fellow dancers.

We get on really well… and she is the complete opposite of me.

We both perform at our best when we let all of our natural confidence and energy shine out.

For me, this shows itself as a huge smile, which makes me feel joyful, confident and at ease.

For her, this shows itself as "resting b*tch face" 😂  (her words, not mine).

This is what makes her feel great; sassy, confident, and at ease.

The two are entirely different looks.

But neither is better than the other.

Why?

Because performing is unique to every individual.

To be a legendary dancer (self-proclaimed), you have to find out what makes YOU great and let that shine out of you.

Try and fit yourself into a mould, and it will feel false and awkward.

The same is true in your working life.

To be a legendary presenter, salesperson, speaker, employee, or boss... you have to find out what makes YOU great and let that shine out. 

You are great because you are you, and your natural energies (you at your best, with no stress) will ALWAYS be the right ones to let shine.

So think.

What is your 'biggest event' coming up this week?

Where you are putting pressure on yourself to be something different (more serious, more clever, more experienced, more witty, more professional?)

Instead of trying to change who you are, think about how you can be who you already are at your best.

Cool.

Calm.

Playful.

Eloquent.

Happy.

Funny.

Dramatic.

Compassionate.

Loving.

Grateful.

Direct.

Bold.

There will be a word that describes you at your best.

When you have no stress, and you are laughing with your friends.

Who are you in that moment?

Bring that strength into all the conversations you have this week.

Don't change who you are. Be who you are at your best.