How a simple drawing changed my perspective
For as long as I can remember, I've told myself, "I can't draw." It was a belief I held without question, a skill I assumed I simply didn't possess. I was content with this self-assessment, accepting it as an immutable fact about myself. After all, some people are artists, and some aren't - or so I thought.
This belief remained unchallenged until the unexpected happened during lockdown. A friend, honing her teaching skills, asked for volunteers for her practice drawing class. With time on my hands and a desire to support a friend, I joined - purely to help out and perhaps have a bit of fun. Little did I know that this casual decision would lead to a profound shift in my perspective.
The class was just an hour long, but in that short time, we explored the fundamentals of drawing. We learned how to hold a pen properly, not just for writing but for creating art. We practised moving our arms in fluid motions, understanding that drawing involves the whole arm, not just the wrist. We delved into the concepts of shading and light, discovering how these elements bring depth and dimension to a simple sketch.
Then came the moment of truth. Armed with these new techniques, we were tasked with drawing a cup. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Could I really create something recognisable?
As I put pen to paper, I focused on applying what I had just learned. I started with the basic shape, then added details step by step. To my amazement, a cup began to emerge on my paper.
The result was far from a masterpiece, I'll admit. The handle mysteriously vanished somewhere in the process, and I'm certain Da Vinci wouldn't be worried about competition. But to me, it was nothing short of a miracle. For the first time in my life, I had created a drawing I was genuinely proud of. It actually looked like something!
This simple exercise taught me a profound lesson: I hadn't been unable to draw; I had never truly learned how. My long-held belief had prevented me from even trying. I had accepted my perceived lack of ability without question, never giving myself the chance to improve or discover hidden potential.
This realisation sparked a series of questions that extended far beyond drawing:
What other limiting beliefs have held me back throughout my life?
What other skills have I dismissed as innate talents, never considering they could be learned?
How many opportunities have I missed because I convinced myself I wasn't capable?
What could I achieve if I approached other challenges with the same openness I had in this drawing class?
As I reflected on these questions, I began to understand that the key to my newfound ability wasn't some hidden artistic talent suddenly emerging. Instead, it was about method, guidance, and a willingness to try:
Breaking the task down into manageable steps: Instead of trying to draw the entire cup at once, we focused on one element at a time.
Learning where to start: Having a clear starting point eliminated the paralysis of not knowing how to begin.
Focusing on specific parts rather than the whole: This approach made the task less overwhelming and more achievable.
Following clear instructions: Having expert guidance provided a roadmap to success.
Progressing step by step: Each small success built confidence for the next challenge.
This experience served as a powerful reminder of the lessons I've learned throughout my personal and professional journey.
As a meditation practitioner, I've discovered the power of mindfulness in challenging ingrained thought patterns.
My training as a hypnotherapist has shown me how deeply our subconscious beliefs can impact our actions and perceived abilities.
And as a coach, I've witnessed firsthand how guiding others through their limiting beliefs can lead to remarkable transformations.
But this simple drawing class provided something unique - tangible, immediate proof of concept. In just one hour, I had challenged a lifelong belief and discovered a new ability. It was a powerful reminder that with the right guidance, patience, a hopeful mindset, and self-compassion, we can achieve what we once thought impossible.
In our personal and professional lives, we often hold ourselves back with self-imposed limitations. We tell ourselves we're not good at public speaking, that we can't learn a new language, or that we're not cut out for leadership roles. But what if these beliefs are just like my belief about drawing - unfounded assumptions that can be overcome with the right approach and guidance?
If you look at things from this perspective, what limiting beliefs might you be ready to challenge? Remember, sometimes all it takes is one hour, one class, one new perspective to unlock potential you never knew you had.
Are you prepared to challenge the beliefs that have been holding you back in your career or personal life? As a career and leadership coach specialising in helping quiet leaders find their voice and unlock their potential, I'm here to be your guide.
Together, we can:
Identify the limiting beliefs that are holding you back
Develop strategies to challenge and overcome these beliefs
Unlock your hidden potential and talents
Build the confidence to pursue opportunities you might have previously dismissed
Don't let another day go by accepting limitations that may not be real. Reach out to me for a free consultation. Let's explore how we can work together to help you draw a new, empowering picture of your capabilities and your future.
Remember, just like my unexpected drawing ability, your potential for growth and change is real. All it takes is the courage to try, the right guidance, and the willingness to see yourself in a new light.
Are you ready to embark on your own transformative journey? Book a free consultation, or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights, tips, and best practices for personal and leadership development. Together, we can help you get where you want to be.
Author: Cecile Hemery
Bio: Cecile is the founder of Walayance, a coaching practice dedicated to empowering quiet leaders to find their authentic voice, amplify their impact, and accelerate their career progression.
With 15 years of experience in the Gaming and Mobile industry, holding senior roles in Marketing and Product, Cecile intimately understands the challenges faced by quiet professionals in dynamic, competitive environments.
Her journey from feeling overlooked to becoming a confident leader informs her coaching approach, helping clients transform their careers and leadership styles. Cecile specialises in supporting introverted, sensitive, and hard-working leaders who struggle to be heard or feel stuck in their current roles.
Accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Cecile combines professional coaching with practical wisdom. Her expertise extends to areas such as effective communication, career confidence, work-life balance, and authentic leadership development.
Cecile's unique approach focuses on helping quiet leaders regain confidence, amplify their voice in professional settings, make decisions aligned with their true selves, and navigate change with clarity and purpose.
Based in the UK and working globally, Cecile offers both individual and corporate coaching services, dedicated to unlocking the quiet power within leaders and propelling their careers - and impact - to new heights.
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