WHO IS THE BEST PERSON TO IMPRESS?

Is it your partner, your parents, your friends, your work colleagues or maybe your boss?

Which of those would have the greatest impact on your life if you impressed them?

During a recent coaching session a client he mentioned he visited the family farm on the weekend and helped pull down a large shed. He was impressed at his physical stamina and strength and realised he was much more physically fit that he thought. Another client shared with me how that had beaten their target with an extra 30% of sales. With an enormous grin on her face. another told me how the new business I'd helped her set up was now making a profit something that had failed to achieve previously. All these people had impressed themselves.

I think back over my life and see times when I underachieved and didn't impress anyone....least of all myself. In fact, I was a disappointment.

One memory that comes to mind is exam results at High School. I began in my first year in the top class but by the time I was in my final year I had successfully moved to the bottom and only passed two subjects of my Higher School certificate at the lowest levels. Most unimpressive.

There were a number of factors. I was dealing with a lot of internal conflict discovering I was gay. Homosexuals were imprisoned at that time as criminals or given shock treatment or aversion therapy. Being gay was a scary thought as a teenager.

I was constantly harassed by a gang at school who seemed to smell my fear and targeted me for bashings both in and out of the playground. I'd make up excuses to leave class early so I could escape the gang who threatened they would be waiting for me at the school gate. The trips to the psychiatrist didn't help and when two guys in my school committed suicide because they were harassed so much I saw no hope. How could I have focused on achieving success.....I was just trying to survive.

Moving on to later years I seemed plagued by this feeling that I could never really achieve and it was better to go unnoticed. I'd already proved that.

Then things began to change.

I never thought I'd be a good pastor but I actually commenced 3 new churches in the space of 5 years. I impressed myself.

Then I moved to Sydney and was asked to be responsible for the youth of the denomination. 'I don't see myself as a Youth Leader' was my initial response. However after starting Youth Alive the youth rallies grew and we were filling the Sydney Town Hall within 12 months. I impressed myself. That organisation has gone on to meeting in the largest stadiums in Sydney with crowds of 20,000.

I didn't think that I was a writer and yet I've written a book that has won awards, sold out twice and emails from readers tell me they couldn't put it down. Some saying they read it more than once. I've impressed myself again.

The most important person to impress is YOU.

When you impress yourself you have moved past your own limited perception of yourself.

Like a container that has been stretched you can now do, be and have more. Facing challenges and doing what you and others think you can't do will be the most powerful influence on your personal growth.

Remind yourself of the times when you excelled. If you can't think of any....maybe its time to show yourself what you are really capable of.

IMPRESS YOURSELF by achieving more than you ever believed possible.

Anthony Venn-Brown 

Coach - Author - Speaker

+61 (0)416 015 231

Recent testimonial from a client

As a learning and development professional within leading organsations and Director of Clear Training Solutions, I was achieving things yet lacking any sense of personal satisfaction.

I no longer wanted to drift along with what happened in life. I needed to take charge and steer myself to where I wanted to go. I knew when the time was right and after having researched several coaches for months and delaying, I chose Anthony Venn Brown. I can confidently say the 'Dare To Be Your Best' program along with Anthony's extensive skills, supportive nature and the return you make in yourself is priceless.

The process of deep reflection on what I wanted in each area of my life by completing every activity was invaluable. I was challenged, held accountable and encouraged to delve into what mattered to help lead me to a life I wanted. Setting goals and practical action plans was a key benefit as it enabled me to focus my energy in a more productive way. Once I felt I had a greater sense of purpose and working towards what I wanted, things in my life starting falling into place. One memorable moment was when I realised I can have what I want in my life and the possibilities are endless.

Within the first week of commencing 'Dare To Be Your Best', I learnt a new model of thinking to help me easily decide on a contract I was offered. I experienced moments of insight and clarity helping me to build wonderful foundations for my life.

I achieved a greater sense of self through having clear values and exploring passions. I realised I had strengths and experiences that benefit others and launched Discovery & Hope Workshops for Gay Men.  I'm now also involved with volunteering for causes I'm passionate about such the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW.

I have gained skills that will benefit me in all areas for the rest of my life.

John Le Breton 

Sydney

Director Clear Training Solutions

www.gayworkshop.com

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