Try on a New Trait

During last week’s Compass Point Career Shaping Networking event I introduced the idea of trying on a new trait. The idea is that if there is a trait you admire in a public figure, colleague, friend, family member, or even of a younger you – you can try it on for size and see how it fits.

For example, you have a friend who is bold and fearless; your Aunt Sally commanded attention as soon as she walked in a room; you admire the poise and intelligence of a tv personality or you simply long for the joy of your younger days! Select a person with a trait you admire and would love to possess, and during the next week, take some time to take it out for a test drive. At first, you will have to consciously look for opportunities in your daily life and you may even have to act a bit…but after awhile you should (if it is a good fit) that you are actually growing into it!

This weekend I had the chance to try it out myself while visiting with friends by the water. We were trying to keep cool, sitting out on her pier and sharing stories and sipping refreshing drinks When that proved futile, one at a time, my friends plunged into the water. I, dressed in a cute new summer skirt, was wholly unprepared for this maneuver. In addition, I am not much of a swimmer. While I grew up on the water and love being at the beach, a near drowning experience as a child (which we won’t go into here to protect the guilty), remains ever present.

Oddly, however, something happened moments after my friends hit the water. I thought of someone I greatly admire, who lives life to the fullest…and without another second hesitation, I joyfully jumped in fully dressed! I was proud of myself for letting go and embracing a new trait! And if you were on the east coast this weekend, you know it was a really good time to decide to go jump in a lake!

This week pick a person and try on a new trait, you may be surprised at how well it fits!