It was literally only a month ago when I was invited to attend the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. I was a powerful yes.
As soon as I decided to go, I knew I wanted to get on a stage while there. That was my selfish desire. I didn’t give into the story in my head that it was too late.
Within days, I made it onto the standby list for the Canada Pavilion, which even though I didn’t get to speak at, I now have a contact that I can reach out to in the future and they’ve already shown interest in having me.
While in the Green Zone, I appeared on the National News (click here to see the video clip).
I also spoke at a function for Lean In Equity & Sustainability, at the Millennium Hotel in Dubai. I spoke about what I know – impossible goals and my imposter syndrome.
I also co-created an experience for incredibly successful people who are seeking to create their own next, greatest, chapter. This only came about because I had already said yes to being in Dubai. This was another win for me the moment I said yes to doing it. It also made it clear to me how much of an expert I’ve become on creating next chapters because you’re literally watching me do it in front of you.
Now, for the rest of my life and career, I have the credibility of media and speaking engagements on the largest of stages, like COP. The legacy of my yes will live on.
I found the overlap between what the world needs (in this particular case, climate solutions), my super powers (what I uniquely bring to the table, and don’t try to be anything else), and my selfish desires.
I was always playing at two levels; the immediate impact of the people I interacted with while there, and I knew I had the potential to leave Dubai with a powerful story that will set me up for the future. For my next, greatest, chapter.
I write autobiographical books and I’m living through one right now. I really wanted that story. And now I have it.
I like to play and have fun with negative language like selfishness. I also think it’s important to understand what really drives you and what you want beyond the aspirations and attempts at being a force for good. Trust that the goodness will automatically happen, because you are a good person. I know this because, frankly, the people who are not are not going to have any interest in reading my blog or learn from my story. I know you have a shared interest with me of making the world a better place, in whatever form for you that shows up.
And it’s ok to let yourself feed that fire in your belly at times.
If you were really honest with yourself – what are your selfish desires? Who benefits from allowing yourself to have them?
