On New Year’s Eve, many of us take the time to think about how we can become more successful in the New Year. Of course, success means different things to different people. No matter your definition of success, I can offer you a few tips that will help you achieve success in any endeavor and in life.
#1: Show Up
To succeed at anything you do in this world or in this lifetime you must show up. You can’t hide in the shadows or off at the corner of the stage. You must come into the light. You must take center stage.You have to do what you say you want to do. You have to show the world who you are and share your talents and gifts.
#2:Unfold
As we grow up, we tend to fold ourselves up like a piece of paper. Our experiences cause us to become afraid to show the word the many facets of who we are. So we fold ourselves smaller and smaller until others only can a small part of what makes up the greater whole of our true self. To succeed, we must unfold until the whole paper lies open for all to see. We have to return ourselves to our original form, pure and whole.
To succeed, you must unfold. Become large! Become all of who you are.
#3: Be Yourself
When people talk about authenticity, this is what they mean; be yourself. Allow others to see the real you. Let the real you come out in everything you do.
Don’t pretend to be someone else. The world needs more unique souls. As author Louise Hay once wrote, “You’re great! There is no one like you on the planet. There never has been and there never will be. You are forever a unique, divine creation.”
Show up as that unique, divine creation that you are.
#4: Be Brave
Don’t let anything stop you from showing up. If you do, your success will be hindered. Playing small does not serve you. Be courageous, and face your fears, which most likely are different than you believe.
Remember the words of author Marianne Williamson, often repeated, even by the late Nelson Mandela:
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, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. 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.
#5: Play Big
I know this isn’t an easy task. I work daily at showing up, unfolding and playing big. Often I have to deal with my fear…I have to push through my own inner obstacles. As you move into the New Year, know remind yourself that more people than you know share your feelings. Then, take a step out onto the stage and let your light shine.
Know, as Williamson said so well above, this is why you are here. You are supposed to fulfill your potential. You are supposed to realize your dreams. You are supposed to show your greatness.
And when you do this, you inspire others to do so as well.
The video below from Britain’s Got Talent, provides a great example of this. This young man, who appears shy, “folded up,” and “small” despite his size will unfold, show up and play big right before your eyes. Watch the transformation he experiences as he displays his greatness. Pay attention also to the transformation in how others perceive him—and in how his transformation appears to make them feel. This is exactly what Williamson is talking about in the quote above.
Does this 17-year-old give you permission to show up and to play big? Does he inspire you to unfold?
How do you plan to show up this coming year? Tell me in a comment below.
Have a fabulously successful New Year.
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Image credit: alphaspirit / 123RF Stock Photo
