For some folks, this might be a company that you conceived, attracted and built with your own blood, sweat, and many tears through the years.

Presumptively, most of the rest of us consciously made a choice to join the company where and with whom they do their work.

Sadly, there are likely a whole slew of people who joined their company “by default” without giving it much thought because they were not aware that the environment might be radically different elsewhere . . . or because they “settled” into “good enough” (It pays the bills) . . . OR . . . maybe they’re caught in a web of self-depravation: “I’m not good enough to be there, so I must stick it out in this misery.”

However you got wherever you are with these people journeying, toiling, reveling, thriving, or suffering . . . You are the one who got yourself here . . . It’s no one else’s fault (good, bad, or indifferent).

The GREAT news is that there’s NO requirement for you to stay here indefinitely. You have the power to choose to improve your human experience while you’re here on earth with all the rest of us.

Seth Godin suggests this fantastic first step towards unsticking yourself . . . Level up!

“The work of leveling up involves pushing past perceived limitations, understanding that they’re not real.”

Whoever, whatever, however, wherever, whenever you started believing that you don’t deserve better is dead wrong.

So . . . Who you hang with is important!

Where you work is important! Like it or not, your public affiliations are defining you within your mind about yourself. If the “culture and standards” are not in alignment with yours, you probably find yourself exhausted and SPENT at the end of every day . . . and your work is just work – sub-standard by your standards yet acceptable by the organizational standards.

Who is your company?

Why?

Is it yet time to push past your perceived limitations?

If so, now is a great time to claim your power of choice by taking responsibility through appropriate action. It might be time to practice “The Law of 2 Feet which simply commands: “Any time you find yourself in a place where you are neither nor contributing anything of value, it is your choice and responsibility to use your 2 feet to take yourself to a place where you CAN be useful.”

Psst: Note that I used the word “Company” which could be “People” or “Organization” or both.

With a deep bow, I offer this magnificent challenge.

Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson

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, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? 
You are a child of God.

Your playing small 
Does not serve the world. 
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking 
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, 
As children do. 
We were born to make manifest 
The glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; 
It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, 
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 
As we’re liberated from our own fear, 
Our presence automatically liberates others.

Note: This inspiring poem is taken from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love. Though often quoted as part of Nelson Mandela’s moving inaugural speech, “Our Deepest Fear” does not appear in the speech. Marianne Williamson herself has commented on this mistaken attribution. For Marianne’s website, click here.

Strategist-CEO of Pareto Realty Real estate sales Professional Inviter-Facilitator-Practicer of Open Space Technology Opening safe space for people & organizations to self-organize around issues & opportunities BarryOwen.US Invite-Listen-Love View more posts