Years ago, in a speech, Nelson Mandela quoted Marianne Williamson, “Your playing small does not serve the world. Who are you not to be great?”
As I read this, I realized that I do sometimes play small, not allowing myself to be as successful as I can be. What is playing small? It’s easiest to define by considering the opposite: “Playing Big.”
For me, “Playing Big” means developing my strengths so my life’s work transforms the world in a positive way. It means using my strengths, empathy, passion and connectedness, to bring a community of adults with ADHD not merely overcome inattention, procrastination, disorganization and other ADHD challenges, but to help them move beyond “overcoming” to tap into their true gifts so that they too can affect the world positively. It also means to be financially successful so I can continue my life’s work and be a model for others.
Helping my clients “Play Big” also means not accepting their excuses for playing small or, worse, not playing at all. Playing Big requires that you face your fears about failure… or about success… and not allowing anything to stop you… not ADHD, not money, not fear, not anything!
How have you been playing small lately? What will it take to move to your Big Game? Because…
Who are you not to be great?
I have been playing small by thinking that I am a better person if I do reading and writing and all sequential tasks rather than just being hyperacitve creative teamleader.
I really enjoy reading your blog and I am looking forward to more of your posts
“Your playing small does not serve the world”
Oh—but it serves me very, very well.
My life is less chaotic and managable by playing small. Less stress, better financial security, a hopefully stable future.
The world does not “need” me; to believe such is very narcisdistic and grandiose. No one is responsible for me except myself, and the only way to do that is by knowing my limitations and maintaining sustainability
Thanks Anonymous for your insights!