️ ️⚡ Today’s level up ⚡
Too many of us are holding onto negative mental baggage. The obstacle we think holding us back is actually our way forward. Below I deconstruct how I turned my perceived weakness (being an introvert) into a superpower that drove me to the top of my field in strategic sales.
It can be adapted for just about anything you think is holding you back from your best performance ever.
Reframing what holds you back is liberating
This is taken from 7 Steps to 7 Figures.
As I got started working on my targeted account list, imposter syndrome started to creep in. I had to turn inward and figure out how to solve this problem, so it wouldn't get in the way of my progress. I had to break through perceived personal limitations to do this, and you can, too. Step 3 is to break through perceived personal limitations. Here's the thing: Imposter syndrome is very real. However, it doesn't need to stop you from delivering amazing work, and partnering with the world's largest companies.
Imposter syndrome is defined as “the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills.” In other words, as you begin to engage with high-level executives, you might feel like a phony who is not worthy of their attention.
The fact is, imposter syndrome is a healthy sign. After all, the higher you climb, the more often it appears. Imposter syndrome is an indicator that you’re in the right place. Growth is hard, and with so much going on in our lives, imposter syndrome will creep in as we move up and as we move fast. And that’s okay!
But these feelings of inadequacy don't need to hold you back. With a brief exercise, you can change the way you see your personal limitations, by turning them into your sales superpowers.
Here's an example: I'm an introvert. Early in my career my introversion felt stifling. I thought I needed to be outgoing and social in order to build strong relationships and win deals.
However, over time, I learned that my extreme introversion allowed me to think deeply and more strategically with the accounts I was pursuing. Once I started selling to enterprise and strategic accounts, my introversion actually became my sales superpower.
Here's how to do it:
Write down 10 of your personality traits that play a role in your everyday life.
Read through the list and highlight four traits that you feel hold you back as a seller.
Identify the inverse traits associated with these perceived weaknesses.
Map out how you can use the inverse trait as a part of your sales strategy.
Here’s what mine looks like, and what I was able to authentically tell myself after going through this powerful exercise:
I’m grateful that I’m quiet, because it makes me a better listener. I can absorb everything that’s happening around me, allowing me to perceive strategic insights.
It’s great that I’m timid, because it means I‘m careful and cautious. I make calculated decisions to mitigate risk with my sales strategy.
As an over-thinker, I’m able to back my decisions with ample research, data, and the ability to view situations with an empathetic point of view. I’m able to interpret what my client will think about the sales pitch I’m delivering.
Because I’m direct, I‘ll give honest advice, not fake my responses, which will foster trust between myself, my colleagues, and my clients.
What are your sales superpowers? Get them ready, because once you have them, you’re ready to consistently deliver a high standard of performance in every engagement, something we get into next.
⚡️Step 3 Recap and Action Plan
Summary:
As you elevate your sales career and start engaging with high-level executives more, you’ll encounter imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a healthy sign and is very common for high-achievers.
However, it doesn’t need to hold you back.
There is a simple exercise you can do to turn your perceived weaknesses into your sales superpowers.
Required Action:
→ Download and complete the Weakness to Sales Superpower workbook to build an unstoppable mindset.
Bonus Action:
Want more help? You don’t have to do this alone. Text “Imposter” to +1 (917) 810-2325 and I’ll connect you with the mindset coach I worked with back in 2019 on my road to earning my first $1.5M per year.
