“You deserve to be on that stage. All you need to do is walk up those steps and take command of the room.”

That’s what I realized after a speaking engagement I had last summer at 300 Financial Group. As soon as I received my invitation to speak at their event, I started fighting off a recurring nemesis:

Imposter Syndrome.

Despite having a TEDx talk on my ‘One Word’ philosophy, the voice in my head kept saying:

“Do I really belong on any stage?”

“What if my message doesn’t resonate with the audience?”

“Is my ‘One Word’ philosophy even worth sharing at all?”

Despite my trepidation, I jumped on this opportunity because my heart is clear on my mission to “Transform 1 Million Lives ‘One Word’ at a time.” It also helped that I was invited by a friendly face—my former client Deana Jackson.

Deana’s “One Word” is SHEPHERD, and it couldn’t be more fitting. She’s the CEO of 300 Financial Group, a relational leader who confidently guides her team every day. When I presented her with her ‘One Word’ Buff at the end of my talk, she shared something with the audience that reminded me of the power of my ‘One Word’ philosophy.

“Before Rich helped me discover my ‘One Word,’ I struggled to make the leap into this CEO role. But my ‘One Word,’ SHEPHERD, gave me the clarity I needed to solidify that I do pave the way for leaders like yourselves to overcome the obstacles keeping you from moving forward.”

BOOM!

I was truly moved! It was at that moment that I said to myself, “It’s time to let the I’m-not-good-enough story go.” I am currently in action helping people step into who they truly are…and all it does take is ‘One Word’!

It was one of the most fulfilling hours I’ve experienced since starting my ‘One Word’ platform from a blank piece of paper seven years ago! That audience was so thoughtful with how they engaged with my message; everything clicked. I could feel my CATALYST energy coursing through the room. I knew I touched, moved, and inspired that crowd to take action. 

I now know that all my anxieties about the worthiness of my ‘One Word’ philosophy are just obstacles I’d been placing in front of myself. I was sabotaging myself by discounting the accomplishments throughout my life, and all the lives I’ve impacted as a CATALYST through my ‘One Word’ movement.

Well, I can promise you that next time I’m invited to the stage, I won’t hesitate to run up those stairs and command the audience. Because I do have an idea worth sharing. Something that genuinely helps people like Deana and others take the leap into their true selves.

Are you ready to step into your identity – All it takes is ‘One Word’?