Stop getting in your own way ✋
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#WednesdayWisdom
"If you don’t know what you’re here to do, do some good." — Maya Angelou
Morning Musings
You ever have a friend read you so hard you couldn't even pretend that it wasn't well deserved? Well, that happened to me last week.
You see, for as much as I preach about trusting your dopeness and being a badass, sometimes I forget to practice what I preach. So shout-out to Saya Hillman for calling me out!
Saya, for those of you who don't know, is a Jane of all trades. You may have seen my praise her name more than a few times in this newsletter (she hosts phenomenal non-networking networking events, cleans houses, and conducts the most useful workshops I've ever been to!). Seriously, she's bomb.com, 10/10 would recommend.
So anyway, back to Saya calling me out on my bullshit. If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall a post I shared on my stories about wanting to become a certified career coach. Well, later that week, Saya penned a beautiful open letter getting to the root of my stall tactic in thinking I needed to be certified.
Even though friends and colleagues alike have been coming to me for career advice for YEARS, I brushed it off as simply helping other people, not realizing it was a gift or talent. Honestly, nothing makes my heart sing more than that text message, DM, email or call from a young woman telling me she accomplished a goal/started a new job/negotiated a raise because of my help.
But I thought I could never possibly become a real career coach because I didn't go to school for that, I'd never taken a course, [insert other excuse here].
Saya kindly reminded me that the certification isn't necessary to start. In her own words:
"If my friend started offering life coaching as a service today, I would refer her today. She is authentic, transparent, kind-hearted, intelligent, innovative, reflective, organized, responsive, motivating, and inspiring. She is the consummate cheerleader yet also a realist. She is what I would want in a life coach. Certificate or not."
So there you have it folks. Stop getting in your own way and start doing the work -- certified or not. Like Saya said, "Perfect Time Unicorn doesn't exist." Just do it.
Love,
L'Oreal
IRL
Sept. 28: Women in Tech Breakfast (FREE!)
Oct. 6: Young Feminist Conference (Also FREE!)
Oct. 20-21: #SpeakTruth Summit (use the promo code speaker25 to save on your ticket!)
Links I Love
7 tips to get over your fear of public speaking (Pro tip: if you live in Chicago, sign up for Saya's public speaking workshops...they've helped me tremendously!)
My Latest Obsession
"Latest" obsession may be a bit of a misnomer, but I looove Insecure (shout-out to my girl Sierra for letting me bum her HBO log-in!). TBH, I'm a big fan of shows that portray positive Black female friendships. Despite what reality shows will have you think, we really do love and support one another.
Some days I feel like an Issa and some days I feel like a Molly. But one thing is clear: these Black women are dope AF and I really want an invite to Issa's next yacht party. How do I get on the list?
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Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this edition of LT in the City Weekly! Be sure to follow me on the Interwebs using the buttons below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!