Leverage What You Don't Have

Instead of focusing on what you don't have and making it a negative, leverage it. What you don't have, can be just as much of an asset as what you do have if you position it right.

I graduated with my first two degrees from Regis University. Regis is a Jesuit school dedicated to learners becoming leaders. In addition to stressing education, the university promotes community and global responsibility. The school has received many awards and has played host to such dignitaries as Pope John Paul and the Dali Lama. Recently, the school has been running television ads touting their achievements and their outstanding education experience. What is most interesting about the commercials is that at the end the narrator adds, "And we did all of this without a football team." Instead of making the fact that Regis doesn't have a football team a negative, they made it a positive.

At times perspective clients express a concern that I don't have experience in their line of work. When this occurs, I point out, "And isn't that great? I don't come with any perceived ideas and I don't know how it is supposed to be. I start with a clean slate." I really do believe that not knowing all the background and how things are supposed to run helps me be objective, ask the questions that those who know wouldn't think to ask, and come with a beginner's mind. I leverage the fact that I don't know.

Don't think of what you don't have as a negative. You can leverage it. What you don't have can actually be a strength since it will give you a different perspective. Also, positioning what you don't have as a positive will boost your confidence and help to make you shine.

Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD is a human potential expert who has supported thousands of people in becoming wealthier, healthier and happier by providing daily motivation, information and inspiration through her award winning e-zine, 365 Days of Coaching. For her free report, “How to create more Wealth, Health and Happiness by Tapping Into the Power of Daily Action” go to http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/daily_action.htm