Self-consciousness blocks connection in life and business. People feel it when your focus is on yourself, your agenda, and not them.

I really got this about 8 months ago when I invested in a weekend event.

I sat in a room with a small group of people and I couldn’t relax.

I kept wondering:

Was my dress OK?

How did I look?

Did I measure up compared to the other participants?

After being asked a question, I wondered “did I answer right?”

All of this incessant focus on myself made it very hard to be present with this new group.

It wasn’t until later that evening, while considering why I was so uncomfortable all day, that I saw just how much I had “me” on my mind.

Once I saw this, I really got how much our own interfering thoughts can block our connection to others and cut us off from full receiving the opportunities available to us in every moment.

This incessant mind chatter is not unique to me. I speak with a lot of women who are finding life and business a struggle because they’re so worried about whether they’re doing things right and how it looks to the outside world.

What I’ve found is that as long as we’re focused on how we’re measuring up or feeling self-conscious about any part of ourselves and what we’ve got to offer, life and opportunity feels limited.

The moment we become aware of where our mind is when we’re with someone or doing something, the more present we can become with the people in front of us, be they clients, friends or lovers. The impact is greater, the connection is deeper, and suddenly we’re navigating life and business gracefully.

We’d love to hear from YOU…

Does self-consciousness get in the way of connection in your life and business? How can you shift the focus to others? Leave your answer in the comments below! 

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August 2016 Issue, business owner, business relationships, entrepreneur, life and business, life work balance, marketing, online business, relationships, sales, women in business