I recently started a second business and had to build yet another website from scratch. I stared at the blank screen, wondering how on earth I would fill the pages with fresh copy that made others feel just as excited about my new company as I was. Furthermore, how could I possibly make it sound credible enough to compete in today’s market when I was the only employee and had no paying clients? I was reminded of similar feelings when I was climbing the ranks in my career and ready for a promotion or leap to a higher-level title and was battling my inner imposter syndrome as I faced those new responsibilities and leadership opportunities.
Projecting bigger is both a tactical skill and a mindset. As we take on new and more significant challenges in our lives, leaning into the moment and fully owning the opportunity helps us embrace our new identity more effectively and sooner rather than later. It’s no wonder the phrase “fake it till you make it” is such a popular one!
Projecting bigger is about your state of mind. In my case, if I think and act as though my business is a successful and thriving organization, it will be, and others will believe it as well, regardless of the stage of growth I am in. Conversely, if I fixate on being a solopreneur and not having any infrastructure or customers, I will think small and project small, which is not aligned with my vision and goals.
So, how does one project bigger? Here are three tips:
- Operate with the end in mind. Align all of your actions and thoughts to the end state and behave as if you are already there. Show up every day as if you are deserving of your end state and as if you are capable of being there today. If you want to be an influencer on Instagram but only have ten followers, post interesting, brilliantly curated content every day as if you had a million followers. Don’t show up any less until you get there.
- Look and act the part. Looking the part is more than just how you dress. It’s about how you carry yourself and the energy you put out into the universe that gives clues as to who you are and what you are about. If you want to lead a big project but only have one teammate currently, show up with the confidence, interpersonal skills, and knowledge that reflect the type of leader who would lead a large team. If you are a business owner who wants to grow your start-up to millions in annual revenue, act as though you are already that size and have your website and marketing use language that reflects the business you want to be. (Ever wonder why entrepreneurs use “we” even if they are the only person in the company??)
- Believe in yourself. I know, I know. This sounds very cliché’ and coachy. However, self-belief is paramount when wanting to achieve great things and be more than we are today. It’s next to impossible to project bigger if we don’t actually believe we can be bigger, and others won’t believe it either. Whenever you find yourself shrinking away from your goal, take a moment to remind yourself of your passion, worthiness, and ability to be in the end state. When I looked at my new business website and considered the services I might offer, I had to reach and expand my thinking to capture all of the possibilities, versus limiting myself to just what I felt people might associate with my skills today.
Projecting bigger is not always easy and is certainly not one-size-fits-all. It may look different depending upon the circumstance or the nature of the goal you are trying to achieve. However, it’s part of the growth mindset that is necessary for success in our pursuits. If you want something, go for it. Don’t allow the imposter syndrome or inner voices to sway you from putting out into the universe what you want to get back. Be big.
All my best and more,
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