I’ll never forget the day it finally clicked for me. I had just moved past A – Acceptance—the moment I stopped pretending my "Business Executive" title was something else and fully embraced that I was, in fact, a salesperson. Once I accepted it, I leaned in hard. I started reading the books, practicing my pitches, and obsessing over how to better serve my clients.
But then, something strange happened. As I began unlocking my potential, the people around me noticed. My old friends started saying, "You’ve changed." At first, it stung. I felt this intense pressure to downplay my wins or dim my excitement just so I could still "fit in" at the Friday happy hours. I was afraid that by doing well, I was making others feel left behind.
The "Light" Conversation
I took my dilemma to my mentor. I told her I felt like I was living in two different worlds. She looked me straight in the eye and gave me the advice that unlocked everything: "Never be afraid to let your light shine. You aren't doing anyone a favor by playing small."
She helped me see that unlocking your potential isn't just about driving revenue or hitting a quota—though that’s a great side effect. It’s about a total shift in perspective.
The Solution Mindset: I found myself complaining less and looking for "the way through" more.
The Trusted Advisor: I stopped being an "average salesperson" and started becoming someone my clients actually relied on for strategy.
Professional Fulfillment: Suddenly, work wasn't just a grind; it was a craft I was proud to master.
The Growing Pains of Growth
Here is the hard truth I want to share with you as you start your career: Growth requires a change in your circle. As you unlock your potential, your frequency changes. You’ll find that some friends who used to be your "inner circle" naturally become acquaintances. It’s not that you don't love them; it’s just that you can no longer relate to a lifestyle of constant complaining or stagnation.
The Trade-Off: While you might drop some old connections, you gain something incredible—new friends and mentors who challenge you to reach your next level. You start surrounding yourself with people who don't ask "Why are you doing so much?" but rather "How can we go further?"
Don't Dim Your Shine
If you feel that "tick" inside you—that drive to learn more, do better, and be more—don't suppress it. Unlocking your potential is the only way to transform from someone who just "has a job" to a high performer who makes a real impact.
It’s okay to outgrow your old self. In fact, it's necessary. Your career, your clients, and your future self will thank you for having the courage to change.
Have you ever felt the need to "play small" to fit in? How did you overcome that feeling? Let's talk about it in the comments below!
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