Reminders from Dove – We’re Smarter Than We Think, Too

​I’ll admit it, I’m one of those women who saw the new Dove video and was moved. Moved enough to share it on Facebook, add a caption “Dove does it again” and then check to see if my mascara ran. And I meant it. I was just getting started in my career when Dove first launched its Campaign for Real Beauty. I remember thinking that’s how a brand can make a difference.

When the Dove video ended a few thoughts ran through my head. First, I need to be nicer to myself. Second, I need to tell my friends and my family that they’re beautiful more often. And last, it’s not just our looks we beat ourselves up over. We do the same thing about our work performance – and we need to go easier on ourselves.

Imagine the difference in how you would describe your professional strengths compared to how a colleague would describe you. We’ve all been in a situation before where we heard someone gave us a glowing review. How great did that feel? Remind yourself of those impressive abilities the next time you get down on yourself about work.

For many it’s a mix between humility and insecurity. But what’s making us insecure at work? We were cherry picked among a pool of talent to do our job because we showed the most promise. If that doesn’t give us confidence then what will?

Chances are we’re given assignments and projects because someone sees the potential in us or we’ve proven ourselves on several occasions. It’s time to hold your head high and know that you have it within you to knock a project out of the park. So, swing for the fences.

If you feel like you’re at a dead end or not bringing enough to the table, ask for more. Show your smarts. Highlight others’ strengths. Take risks. And more than anything else, believe in yourself.

You’re strong, you’re capable and your company believes in you. Believe in yourself and you’ll change the world.

Don’t believe me? Ask Christopher Robin. Chances are, he told you first. “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”