… is that I sometimes think someone is talking about me, running me down, when that is actually the furthest thing from his or her thoughts.
I first learned the folly of this habit many years ago when one of my very best friends was involved in a negotiation that was intended to bring me a considerable promotion and a much better position. Except, I foolishly though he was working behind my back to cut me out of his negotiations. Imagine the egg on my face when I angrily confronted him only to be told kindly and politely what the real situation was. Truth be told, “egg on my face” hardly covers it.
Professional insecurity is an occupational hazard as I was recently reminded by another dear friend. What’s the solution? Oh how I wish I could offer some brilliant insight, except as I’ve just revealed, I am still struggling with this very challenge.
However, as I’ve reflected on these circumstances, both the one from the distant past and the one of much more recent vintage; I’m reminded of one of the key truths about being a successful voiceover professional:
It’s not about me. It’s not about you, either.
Keep repeating this truth. Daily. Maybe hourly. It will help.
rowell gormon says
…it’s universal, bob. one of my favorite “peanuts” strips from the early years was charlie brown in foreground fuming and agonizing on what lucy and violet were probably saying about him in the background. the more he imagined their gossip the madder he got, until he finally walked over and confronted them.
violet icily informed him, “why would we be talking about YOU, charlie brown?” and they walked off.
charlie brown thought a moment and yelled after them: “…well why WEREN’T you talking about me?????”
sigh…
Lee Plaud says
I expect that your post was a surprise to many, Bob. I know it was to me. Your summation, however, is not wanting for expansion.
Marty Wall says
And one of your strengths is wisdom, Bob.
Chase Hume says
Reminds me of a quote, which I’m probably butchering…
But for one lone exception, the world is entirely populated by others.
Professionally, when we want something so bad we tend to filter everything through how it effects us. Thankfully the business world has a way of bringing us back to reality. Hopefully, that happens before we sink down a large investment or before we do too much harm to an advantageous relationship.