Who Do You Need To Be?

Laughter Thought Leader: Elaine Williams

How Are You Showing Up?

Ok, you’ve probably heard this phrase before if you’ve been around the coaching and business development space for a while.

“I had to toughen up. It was rough but I was committed.”

My gut reaction to this question is: “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, I know….I need to make sure I’m congruent with what I wear and what I say and how I’m being. I get it. And I know. For god’s sake, I’m a professional speaker, comedian, and trainer!”

I can be a touch arrogant sometimes. I grew up in Texas where I was conditioned to be nice and sweet. UGG. When I moved to NYC and later became a comedian, I had to toughen up. It was rough, but I was committed. Even though I’ve been a professional speaker and comedian for over 15 years, I still bump up against “wanting to be liked”.

Usually, it’s before a talk or show that this “old way of being seeps in.” It’s a subtle, but powerful, old habit. Damn it.

Who Do You Need To Be?

I was just in Phoenix speaking for a women in business networking group. The morning of my talk, I was on the phone with my accountability buddy, David. He knows me pretty well. He’s great to partner up with because he kicks my butt and won’t put up with my BS.

Before I got off the phone to finish getting ready to go speak in front 75 women in business, he asked me: “Elaine, who do you need to be?” I was blown away. I hadn’t even realized that my “need to be liked” had set in. Moreover, I was a little nervous because although I often speak virtually, I hadn’t done a “live” talk in a while because of the pandemic.

“I am spreading love, laughter, and permission to shine.””

It was the perfect question for me. I kicked my “need to be liked” energy to the curb. I took on: I am a thought leader. And I am spreading love, laughter, and permission to shine. (I’ll also be teaching Short Form Video but that’s just a vehicle for the transformational work I actually do with people.)

Higher Version Of Yourself:

So, dear reader, I invite you to put a post-it note on your desk, computer, or phone. Who do I need to be today? Right now? And if you’re not, what do you need do to shift so that you can be this higher version of yourself?

In addition, I’d love to know what you’re going to write on your post-it note. Here’s to you allowing yourself to be your highest and best selves in spite of old, diehard patterns, conditioning and habits!!

Go spread your light and genius out into the world! 

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