Stop Apologizing for Being Awesome

Stop it!  Right now!  I mean it.

You are awesome.  You're a Linchpin.  And you need to stop apologizing for it.

Don't think you are?  Answer these questions:

1) Do you ever avoid taking risks because of what others, especially a boss might think?

2) Do you hold on to a good idea because you don't think you can explain it well enough?

3) Do you follow the process, even when you know there is a better way?

4) Are you more concerned with playing by the rules than doing your best work?

5) Are you trying to fit the mold, when you know it needs to be broken?

6) Do you think that the only way to be noticed or advance in your career is to be the "perfect employee"?

7) Do you think the "perfect employee" is the one who does what they're asked with the best attitude?

8) Do you think success is more about being right than being innovative?

9) Do you think the process is more important than the outcome?

10) Do you believe that only the people who take risks are the ones who get the axe?

If you said "yes" to any of these, you're apologizing.  You're withholding.  You're not being authentic. 

And you need to stop.

Because it's the people who say "no" to all those things that become truly indispensable.  It's the people who take risks, push boundaries, and break molds that are simply too scarce- and thus valuable.  Anyone can follow the process we already have.  But that process won't win forever.  The key to success is not to become the master of this process, but the creator of the next one that works.

So stop holding back.  Stop being scared.  Stop apologizing.

Just go be Awesome.