I'm Just

This message is from my heart to the incredible ladies out there - many who play multiple roles and conquer incredible feats weekly, if not daily!
 
I want to talk about the phrase I hear SO often - "I’m Just…"
 
I’m here as someone who has a history of saying this, more often than I would like to admit. 
 
AND…l did it AGAIN last week! I have to confess that it was unfortunately not just about me this time. This time I was referring to a whole group of women!
 
After I picked my kiddos up from school, I trammed over to the Novartis campus to grab them a snack (always a necessity). I also was there to check out the Pavilion space where we have an upcoming career development event, geared towards moms! 
 
I went up to the counter and introduced myself, asking for the event coordinator we booked the space with. 
 
Next, for some CRAZY reason, I introduced myself and the rock-star group of moms as “We are JUST a group of moms doing a little event here…”. 
 
After I said that, I felt an alarm go off inside and tried to course correct the intro. 
 
The group I referred to as 'just' is an ABSOLUTELY Brillant, talented, accomplished group of moms/professional women. It’s one thing to represent them in a humble way, but “We are JUST...???” 
 
Speaking candidly, they are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Most speak more than 3 languages (some as many as 6+), global mind-set, highest degrees, incredibly driven leaders. From what I have seen, they also happen to be wonderful, humble, loving & kind mothers…who desire continued growth and to make the most of this life! 
 
The funny thing is, I actually have it written on a ‘Ground Rules’ slide for this event that we will not say “I’m just…”, or “I’m sorry…" during the session. Yet, I introduce our group this way??
 
I'm all for apologies, accountability, humbleness (in fact those are great leadership qualities)…but why do we have to go as far as minimize what is true in ourselves?
 
You may hear it too....

‘I just lead a small team.’

'I just went to a public University.'

'I'm just a stay-at-home Mom' - (What?! Only arguably the hardest and most rewarding job in the world) 
 
'I just... I just... I just....?!!!'

Here are the main issues I see with this. Depending on the situation, when we downplay our value we:

• Remove energy 
• Miss opportunities
• Decrease credibility
• Communicate to others and ourselves we are 'less than'
• Choose a scarcity verse abundance mindset
• Miss influence for positive change
• Miss impact 

 
Our words matter. They have power. They deeply impact us and those around us for amazing good ...or can take the wind out from under our wings.
 
I don't know where I picked this "I’m just"/'We're just" habit up. I'm working hard to improve and want to model this better for my kids.
 
I can't wait to do this event next week where we will encourage each other along the way...and hopefully with no more "I'm justs"! ​

Author: Erika Butler, CEO

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