WHAT’S YOUR REAL REEL?
A few weeks ago I listened to a wonderful Podcast interview between Jono Fisher, Founder of the “Wakeup Project” and Nigel Marsh, author of “Fat Forty and Fired”.
I highly recommend you download the interview as it was both entertaining and enlightening. The story I wish to share from it was when Nigel was discussing how he was sitting on stage ready to speak when he heard this incredible introduction about one of the speakers. He thought to himself, “This bloke sounds fantastic. Who is he?” Only to discover he was the person being introduced. He went on to say how the person reading out his successes didn’t paint a picture of the struggles he experienced between his big achievements. Nigel enhanced the point by reading a quote that was given to him on a fridge magnet –
“Don’t compare your behind the scenes self with someone else’s highlight reel”
He went on to discuss how when you look at other people’s Facebook pages, they are only posting pictures of when they are on holidays, at parties or feeling great. You are seeing their highlight reel. Thus reinforcing the notion that few people are going to post a photo of themselves sitting home alone, bored and in a bad mood.
The message here is twofold.
We judge ourselves according to other people’s highlight reel.
It’s not a real reel and can make us feel completely inadequate.
The juxtaposition of this, is that we all have a genuine highlight reel. One we can be proud to promote. While a highlight reel may omit the down and out periods of life, authentic people will share those moments at the right time.
There is an absolute joy and business benefit in putting together your highlight reel.
So here is a Small Act that will have a Major Impact on your psyche and business – write your own highlight reel.
Here’s how to do it –
Write your bio. Put everything in it. Don’t hold back.
Have an external person assess it and provide feedback. This is a vital step.
Revisit your bio with the feedback.
Have someone you trust introduce you, as if you are about to be presented on stage.
I absolutely love the reaction when I introduce people to themselves.
Do yourself a favour, honour your achievements by writing your bio and highlight reel.
Aside from making you feel great, it will become one of the most powerful business tools you have.
Share some of the Small Acts you would put in your reel.