Have you ever had a dream that completely changed your life? I did. It happened last week. It is said that eclipse energy brings transformation, I think midlife does too… either way I know my script has been flipped. 

In the dream, I was in New York City, hustling across a busy street toward a hotel where I was set to sign a movie contract when a grandmotherly woman embraced me in a bear hug. It was a joyous reunion, as a black floral van covered in red roses rumbled past. With great urgency, she held my arms “Promise me, you will never let public opinion persuade your personal opinion. Those people don’t know you. No one knows you better than you, so your opinion is most important. Got it?” With that heartfelt squeeze, I strode confidently toward the hotel knowing her advice was imperative to my success.

That dream was a wake-up call. I realized that my fear of public opinion had kept me playing small for far too long. Like a blinder removed, I immediately began pursuing my career goals with a NEW confidence. Courage is a mix of fear and hope, a life well lived is embracing your authentic self—flaws, scars, and all. With all the brazenness of a 6-year-old singing loudly, “I refuse to hide my light under a bushel”. 

Setting the Vibe for Success

Success isn’t just about the work you do—it’s about the energy you bring before you even step into a room. Thank goodness for the power of the algorithm, because this week a video from years ago resurfaced. Like an echo from the dream, it landed in my newsfeed and has been my power anthem all week. I have taken it with me into every moment when I could use a boost of encouraging confidence. The rehearsal video of Keala Settle for The Greatest Showman – “This is Me” is the perfect aspirational soul medicine. One might expect that my favorite version would be the polished performance piece. Here are the reasons why the rehearsal video is the one that hit’s my inspired button. 

I relate deeply to the message and her authentic delivery. She (and everyone else) is dressed in their average day clothes. Dark hair and glasses full of passion and vulnerability she isn’t a character. She is herself accepting her role and all that will come with it. 

The realness of the moment as she connects with Hugh Jackman while singing, “When the sharpest words wanna cut me down, I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out. This is brave, this is bruised. This is who I’m meant to be, this is me,” you can feel the raw power of authenticity. A seasoned professional, Hugh choked up on the sincerity of her truth. It was a declaration that no matter how harsh the criticism, her voice — and purpose — cannot be silenced.

She knows the inevitable – there will be haters of her and her performance, but she is determined to perform her truth. The good will outweigh the bad. Together they sing; this song is an anthem. 

Owning Your Narrative like a Boz: The Ultimate Power Move

Bozoma Saint John’s tagline on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills this season strikes a chord with viewers this season. “Introducing the greatest product I’ve ever marketed… myself.”. After steering powerhouse brands like Apple, Uber, Endeavor, and Netflix, she chose to redefine her narrative by embracing her true self and taking control of her public image. Instead of letting critics dictate her worth, she selected a tagline that declares the most valuable asset you have is you. In other words, if she can’t market herself, how could she possibly market anything else? By embracing inevitable criticism and owning her narrative, Bozoma shows us that stepping into the spotlight—even when it means facing the harshest voices—is essential to living authentically and boldly. Her bold mantra reminds us that true success lies in owning our worth and pursuing our purpose fearlessly.

Embracing Your Authentic Self

One of our most vital life lessons: our true power lies in embracing our authentic selves. When we stop letting public opinion define us, we create space to pursue our dreams with unbridled passion. I am done shrinking in fear. I now stand proudly, knowing that the harshest words might try to cut me down—but I’ll send a flood of my own voice to drown them out. One thing I have learned well this lifetime, the power of surrounding yourself with the right people can lift your spirits to new heights. When you momentarily lose your voice (because you will at some point), let that community be the choir that sings your song until you’re ready to belt it out again.

The 88% Rule: Strive for Really Good Versus Perfection

The 88% rule has become my guiding principle for success. I’ve learned that you can’t hit a home run every time—chasing perfection only sets you up for disappointment and endless tweaks. My real goal is to consistently hit 88% and above because delivering solid, reliable work every time is more effective than striving for perfection and getting stuck in a cycle of endless tweaks. High standards matter, but trustworthy, proficient work builds momentum and drives long-term success. This approach shields us from unrealistic public opinions that may derail our progress. Remember, public opinion may not include realistic expectations, especially on the internet. High standards matter, but consistent performance fuels progress and sustains long-term success without being slowed down by perfectionism.

A Challenge to Step Into Your Power

I challenge you to take one small step towards living boldly. Tomorrow, before your next big presentation or important meeting, set aside five minutes to:

• Blast your power anthem—choose a song that makes you feel unstoppable.
• Strike a power pose—channel your inner superhero and stand tall.
• Write down one bold goal you’ve been too afraid to pursue.
• Use the 88% rule – skip perfection; aim for “ really good”.

Commit to this ritual for one week and observe how your energy and confidence transform. Remember, consistency is the cornerstone of success—aim for really good not perfection and let your authentic self – shine.

Conclusion: Stop Playing Small and Embrace Your Brilliance

When we stop playing small, we free ourselves from the chains of public opinion and reclaim our power. We learn that our true worth isn’t dictated by the critics but by the strength of our convictions and the authenticity of our actions. Whether through a transformative dream, a powerful anthem or by following in the footsteps of inspiring figures like Bozoma Saint John, the time to shine is now.

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Works Cited

• Settle, Keala. “This Is Me” – The Greatest Showman (Dress Rehearsal Performance).
• O’Connell, M. (2024, December 19). Reintroducing Bozoma Saint John. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 
• Cuddy, Amy. Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are. TED Talk, 2012, TED.com.