Last Monday I did a brave thing.

'How are you practicing? I'd like to be part of a regular practice group for feedback and support.' Was a message I sent to the WhatsApp group for the advanced training I did.

Background is that in the last few weeks I completed two courses that have taken two years to complete. With one of them I wanted to observe my teachers a little more before I imagined myself being brave enough to propose that I teach that particular subject... 

Later that Monday I sent a private message to Sue, the main facilitator, saying I was available to assist with any courses she was doing virtually. I was expecting to receive a reply some time in the future. 

When I received a reply within a few hours advising me of an opportunity that week I moved things around in my diary so I could make three out of the four days that were offered. 

I jumped at the chance! I knew I had to! 

Roll forward to Wednesday and I am joiniing the Zoom link 15 minutes early. It very quickly transpires that there are power issues and Sue is unable to join the session. One of the other main facilitators asks me if I want to lead the session. 

In that moment I have a decision to make. 

I am being offered the opportunity that I had tentatively asked for on Monday. I feek a whole range of emotions and think many conflicting things all at the same time! 

Yet, I know that this opportunity is also a sign. 

It is a sign that I must be ready, that I can do this, that I know I really want to do this... but to take the space of my mentor/teacher feels big.... yet she cannot be there... so someone has to fill the space and it might as well be me!

I move from not being sure if I am ready to knowing I can do it and being scared and excited to say 'yes' to this chance. 

To add to it all, time is ticking down. 

Then someone says 'I know you can do this. I believe in you.' 

And in that moment I was ready to go. 

Last Thursday I attended the Meyler Campbell Annual Lecture. It is a closed event on a topic related to coaching and leadership. This year it was given by Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic who is a psychologist and entrepreneur. I found some of the slides intriguing and share them in the image for you to reflect on! The topic was about gender demographics in leadership and how we will get better caliber leaders! 

Roll forward a couple of hours and the feedback I received was incredible. The participants were gracious in allowing me to take the lead... and we all learned something not just about the topic we were exploring but also about modeling* someone and saying 'yes.'

*In this context modeling means observing someone and watching to imitate them. It is an important part of acquiring new skills and habits.

Let's break down what happened.

There was an idea — 'I want to practice my new skills'

It was shared with people who could help with this — I put it in the WhatsApp group

The seed for an opportunity was planted — I sent a message asking if I could help

The opportunity was created 

It was offered to me — I made the decision to say 'yes.'

When was the last time you did a brave thing?

One that made you vulnerable?

Something that scared you a little? 

Obviously I do not want to encourage you to take risks that feel too risky, or too costly... 

BUT

You instinctively know when there is something you want to do which requires you to do, or say, something courageous? 

I know something has come up for you... 

What is it?

What is holding you back from sending that message, asking that person, taking the next step for that thing to move forward? 

—Sometimes we have to say 'yes' even when we mean 'maybe'
—Sometimes we have to say 'yes' even when we mean 'I'm not sure'
—Sometimes we just have to say 'yes' because it is our souls desire...

What will you say yes to as you go into the new day, the new week?

I encourage you to spend a moment or two with that question. 

It doesn't matter if you are a CEO, in transition, or a student... there will be something that you want to say 'yes' to which is waiting for you... 

I urge you to identify that thing.... the thing you want to say 'yes' to.

This time last week I didn't know I would have done what I did... and I did... and so can you! 

Have a great week

All my best,

Saiyyidah

P.S — Remember to take a look at The Courage to Belong retreat.