Two weeks ago I saw this post on LinkedIn by Rhianna Shaheen describing her “Team Oscar” experience. For the past 3 years Channing Tantum and the Academy have run a video contest for college students to submit a 60 second video about a certain topic. Six winners are flown to the Oscars to present awards on stage. This years topic: Best Piece of Advice You Have Ever Received.
Rhianna’s piece of advice? “No one is coming for you”.
In the days following that article I had the great privilege of attending an internal Nike meeting to kick off Summer 15 and review the journey of Spring. One of the greatest moments (and believe me there were many) was a visit from Sanya Richards Ross. If you don’t know who she is, you’re missing out, and should head here to find about her: http://www.sanyarichardsross.com/
This is a 30 year old woman who has won 4 Olympic Gold Medals in Track and Field. She is an entrepreneur with her own TV show, she runs a non-profit that aims to enhance literacy in children from her native country in Jamaica. Oh and when we asked her what motivates her to keep running? She answered “I always wanted to win the Olympic race by 10-20 meters and I haven’t yet”.
I am no stranger to going after things that I want, but as I grow older I find my vision for my life a little more blurry. I find myself taking less risks, wanting things to feel safe and familiar. There is nothing wrong with any of that–in fact a nice safe environment can sometimes be just what you need to realign and see your future more clearly.
But what about my cultural upbringing or my circumstances has kept me from winning 4 Olympic Gold Medals? What has kept me from traveling the world meeting with young women and trying to change their lives one support group or medical enhancement at at time? What has kept me from asking for more money? Or applying for that job? Or for standing up for my beliefs in a relationship or friendship or in a conflict? Why do I sometimes feel like I am sitting on the sidelines of my own life?
I think it’s because I have been waiting for permission. I think it’s because I’ve thought someone was coming for me. That my purpose would magically appear, that someone out there somewhere would tell me that I am good enough.
Well here is the cold hard truth: No one is coming for me.
There is no motivator following me around screaming “Move faster, work harder, go one more mile, reach a little higher.” Life doesn’t come with a built in cheerleader–not unless you build one yourself by adjusting your inner dialogue.
But thanks to Rhianna Shaheen, Sanya Richards Ross, Sheryl Sandberg, Amy Poehler and all the other epic women speaking out and changing the world I am receiving what I like to call a little “Universe Boost”. The Universe is sending me some external cheerleaders in all shapes and sizes. It’s sending in the reserves while I fumble for a little while.
I’ve never painted an apartment wall–in all of my life. I have always imagined bright inviting colors on my walls and strategically placed shelves and art and I have always stopped myself from painting or creating because I just figured I didn’t know how. (silly right?) I guess I thought that when I got married my husband could teach me to paint and hang shelves (disappointing isn’t it?)
The other night I bought some beautiful yellow paint, a few brushes, an electric drill and some wall hooks. You better believe it’s going to be me and roller this weekend making my new space mine.
Today it starts with just a yellow wall, tomorrow maybe I will take on the world.
What have you been waiting for permission to do? How do you think society or your upbringing has taught you to behave? Share with me in the comments below or tweet me on twitter!
Teresa Sabatine 