Simon T Bailey’s Blog

Recently, I was invited to be the closing general session speaker for the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare at their 38^th convention in Boston, MA.  As I was preparing my remarks, I saw on their website that I was following Jim Collins, bestselling author of “Good to Great” whose books have sold a bazillion, and James Carville, chief political strategist in the Clinton Administration. Oh, did I mention that they also had presentations by Michael and Kitty Dukakis, and Michael Kennedy.

Was I scared? If I said no, then I would be telling a white lie. (Whatever that means.)  Was I somewhat concerned? Absolutely. Why? I was walking in the footsteps of some of the most celebrated and recognized names in the United States. Now allow me to share with you the naked truth, I believe I was the youngest person to address this group of CEO’s, board members, senior executives, blah blah The client told me right before my presentation that they had looked at over 100 videotapes before they selected me.

All of these thoughts were running through my mind, but I had to shut them out and dig deep. This presentation had to be over the top and I had to look fear in the face and slap it into the next century. I know that is a bit dramatic. However, the point is my fear was rooted in feeling inadequate, and not good enough to exist in this rare air. Yes, it is true that it’s not who you are that blocks your brilliance from shining, it’s who you think you are not.

Right now, you may have a ton of opposition against you. Perhaps some of it is self-imposed. I invite you to take a long hard look and feed your belief in a better future and starve your fears to death. Do not feed into it. You are brilliant and it‘s time to shine.

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The painter Pablo Picasso was dining at a five-star restaurant in a metropolitan city. A female admirer walked over to his table to say hello and to tell him how much she admired his work. Sensing that he was receptive to her accolades, she asked if he would do a sketch for her.

Picasso grabbed some paper, and with pen and pencil promptly sketched the waiters carrying luscious ice cream parfaits. As the woman reached for the sketch, Pablo Picasso said, “Madame, that will be $10,000.” Shocked, the woman replied, “But that only took you five minutes.” “No, Madame,” replied Pablo Picasso, “it took me fifty years.”

Pablo Picasso knew how much time he had invested in the mastery of fine art. He didn’t belittle his value or succumb to the pressure of someone who didn’t value his worth. Up until that moment at the restaurant, fifty years of his life had been invested in developing his artistic brilliance. He refused to allow anyone to diminish his self-worth.

How much are you worth? What are you doing to increase your self-worth? People will treat you the way you treat yourself. When they sense that you are unsure of your value, they will handle you any way they see fit.

 A friend of mine who was unhappy at her job one day decided that she was worth more than the demeaning way she was being treated, and refused to be abused any longer. Thus, she decided that happiness, peace of mind, validation, affirmation, and celebration was worth more than stock-options and the schizophrenic behavior of leadership.

 My friend, wrap your brain around this profound truth…your outward experience will reflect your inward self-worth. Your self-worth is as priceless as a rare diamond. Why settle for crumbs of bread when you own the bakery? Simon Says…You are worth it!

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