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This week on GoalChatLive, I talked about self-advocacy with Jackie Bailey, Founder, The Speak Feed Lead Project; life and leadership coach Jamie Martin; and Bob Wheeler, Host of the Money You Should Ask podcast. To be heard, to elevate your career, to lead, it’s essential to know how to advocate for yourself and others!
Jackie, Jamie, and Bob discussed what self-advocacy is and why it’s important, what stops people from championing for themselves, and how to get better at it. They also shared their personal connections to the topic, as well as lots of great examples and tips.
What is Self-Advocacy?
- Jackie: Having the ability/courage/desire to speak up for yourself, when you know what you need and want without fear of retaliation.
- Jamie: Being from a place where you are so aligned with your value system that you show up and can voice your values when things are not a fit! There’s an energy piece to it.
- Bob: Championing for yourself! It’s scary. Find your community and tribe. Not everyone is going to be excited for you, do it anyway!
How to Self-Advocate
- Jackie: Stop worrying about how everyone will react to what you are doing. Ask yourself: What is the worst thing that can happen if I do this? What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t do this? What’s the best thing that can happen if I do this? What’s the best thing that can happen if I don’t do this?
- Bob: Get clarity. If you know your purpose, it helps you align with self-advocating, since it’s in service to others. What do I want, why do I want it, why don’t I have it, what am I willing to do to get it?
- Jamie: Practice. Video yourself self-advocating!
Self-Advocacy #GoalChatLive
Goals
- Jamie: Become aware of what’s stopping you from opening your mouth. When that happens, write it down, so you can objectively look at what is happening.
- Jackie: Write long-hand where you are vulnerable and why, and why you hesitate about advocating for yourself. Then think about how you learned it and change the story to include “I can do this.”
- Bob: Make a list of top 5 things you are not self-advocating. Pick the one that is least scary. Set a deadline to get it done.
- Bob: Listen to your language. What are you saying to yourself? Now change it, so you can start moving forward.
- Bonus: From Deb: Make a list of your advocates. From Jamie: Enroll them/let them know.
Final Thoughts
- Bob: Gratitude. Being grateful goes a long way.
- Jamie: You have a voice and it needs to be heard, so others can learn from you.
- Jackie: Your voice is your superpower. Advocate for others, as well as yourself.
Links
- Learn more Jackie Bailey and the Speak Feed Lead Project, as well as Jamie Martin and Bob Wheeler!
- Connect with Jackie Bailey, Jamie Martin, and Bob Wheeler on LinkedIn
- Join the Write On Online Facebook Group
- Learn more about Goals with DEB and Deb’s Goal Strategy for Event Attendees
- Get your copy of my latest book, Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals. Then join the Your Goal Guide Facebook group
How do you self-advocate? Please share in the comments.
Next Week
On August 7 we’re having a Contentpalooza with John Hinson, Rob Kutner, and Julie Riley. Join us next week and every Monday at 4pm PT, for #GoalChatLive.
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For more inspiration, motivation, and tips, follow @TheDEBMethod on Facebook and Instagram. And connect on LinkedIn.
