True swagger is about confidence, presence, and power.
Look up the textbook definition of “swagger” and you will find a somewhat negative description: arrogant or conceitedly self-assured behavior; bold or brash self-confidence
Sorry, Merriam-Webster, but I respectfully disagree. In reality, in all aspects of life and business, true swagger is about confidence, presence and power. You can feel it when you’ve got it. You have an extra bounce in your step, and smile on your face.
Conversely, you are painfully aware when you’ve lost it.
Over the last 2-3 months, an alarming number of my clients are asking if I can help them find their swagger. Years of uncertainty brought on by COVID, economic and political uncertainty, recent layoffs, shifting corporate priorities and values, and an undercurrent of institutional mistrust have taken their toll. The constant refrain I’m hearing is, “I just don’t know what I’m good at anymore.”
The hard truth is this: YES, YOU DO.
You’ve simply forgotten to invite it to the party.
While you’ve been searching high and low for your spark, that lightning bolt reminder of your last accomplishment or success, it’s been by your side just waiting to be acknowledged. Often, it simply needs permission to speak up, and tell you to life up your chin, speak without hesitation, and to remind you that “you’ve got this.”
If you are feeling less than confident, it’s time to shut down the narrative in your head. Right now. Write down one achievement in your life you are proud of, in detail. When was it? What was the situation? What was your role? What actions did you take? What was the outcome? Why does it still make you proud?
Now read what you just wrote. How does it make you feel?
There it is! Say “hello” to your swagger.
