Recently, Meghan Speer joined Trent Dunham on the Decisions podcast and shared insight we hope will empower and encourage you in important decisions.
Chronic people pleasers, raise your hand.
Constantly trying to live up to the expectations of others can be, well, exhausting.
Have you ever said yes to something simply because you thought it was expected? Staying true to who God has made you to be, regardless of what others think, can free you up to flourish.
Meghan Speer, VP of Marketing Support Network, unpacks this truth in her book, Letting Go of Should: Life lessons in growing, leading, and becoming the person I am created to be.
Think of the ‘should’ as a heavy burden or yoke. It may be time to take it off, let go of the expectations of others, and truly ask God what He alone wants for you.
Because as a child of God, you are to obey His calling on your life, not someone else’s version of what your life should look like. And often this begins with the way in which you measure yourself. Ever feel as if others are holding up a yardstick, measuring your effectiveness?
How do you release that? You cement your identity in the truth of God’s Word and who He has made you to be.
Then, practice regular, consistent self-evaluation. Are you operating in a place that is not really you? Are you filling a role because the role is available or needed? Or are you leaning into what God is asking of you? As leaders, this is regular homework.
Lastly, ask yourself, “What expectations am I putting on other people that I may or may not be aware of?” You have to be willing to wade into those waters and own the things you may have projected onto others. It’s difficult work, but it will make you a more effective leader in the long run.
God has created you as a unique individual and He has gifted you in very specific ways.
So don’t aspire to someone else’s version of who you are. Be who God made you to be. You’re the only one who can.
For more of Meghan’s powerful story and leadership insight, be sure to listen to the Decisions Podcast episode, Letting Go of Should with Meghan Speer.
+ More Insights from Dunham+Company: “If God Will Provide, Why Do We Have to Ask for Money?“