In my previous article I identified that the vital career and life skill of having confidence, is not reserved only for the privileged few see below:

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One of the key sources to confidence is inspiration from fellow humans, where they act as a ‘windshield’, showing you possibilities. Real inspiration says, "Me too, I can do that.”

What is a ‘windshield’ I hear you ask? A windshield is what you see in front of you that gives you inspiration; role models that give you an image of your future self. In his book, The Talent Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Skill in Sport, Arts, Music, Math and Just About Everything Else, Daniel Coyle gives the following example:

“In 1997, there were no South Korean golfers on the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. [By 2009, there were] more than 40, winning one third of all events. What happened? One golfer succeeded (Se Ri Pak, who won two major tournaments in 1998) and through her, hundreds of South Korean girls were ignited by a new vision of their future selves. As the South Korean golfer Christina Kim put it,” You say to yourself, ‘If she can do it, why can’t I?’ ”

Studies have shown that even a short connection with a role model, no matter how minor, can improve your motivation immeasurably. Daniel Coyle continues, “What ignited the progress wasn't any innate skill or gene. It was a small, ephemeral, yet powerful idea: a vision of their ideal future selves, a vision that oriented, energized, and accelerated progress, and that originated in the outside world.”

The stories we tell ourselves frame our actions and attitude. We see this everywhere. Going to Eton must make you think at least you have a chance of being Prime Minister, regardless of your ability...it has never entered my head that I could be Prime Minister!

Inspiration and Opportunity matter - so how do we create more in our lives??

I have experienced my own career defining 'windshield' moment:

I had identified that Jeff Grout, (previously the MD of the recruitment company Robert Half International, now a bestselling author and speaker), could accelerate my career. These are the precise words I used to connect with him and gain a very valuable half-hour of his time, to ask him five key questions, regarding his success.

“Hello Jeff, my name is Adrian Evans. We have not met yet. I know you are a busy man, so I will be brief. I run my own search & selection business. Over the years you have done an excellent job of building the Robert Half business and moving into the public speaking and coaching arena. I have read and enjoyed a number of your books including ‘Mind Games’ (2004). I am sure you had many challenges when you were first starting out. I am still at those early stages, trying to figure everything out. I would really appreciate it if you would spend half an hour of your time to answer a few questions.”

This resulted in a very successful conversation between us, it gave me the methodology and path to not only write a book, but also be the catalyst for the belief that I could have a successful executive coaching career.

I would love to know your thoughts, comments and questions [email protected] Enterprise Sales Club is now LIVE at Sales, https://www.enterprisesalesclub.com.

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If you want to take your career to the next level, as well as improve your skills in Enterprise Sales, please contact me at [email protected]