A Wren Says

Just like so many around the world, I am thoroughly engaged with this year’s World Cup. Watching all of the games has led me to watch more of the analysts’ coverage of the games as well. That has exposed me to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I knew of him as a player, but now we are all getting to witness his personality as a pundit. I am eating it up. Through all of his takes and assertions of his dominance, I am probably watching just as many clips of him as I am watching game recaps. I am especially drawn to him because I want to embody that level of confidence.

This year I am on a journey to become more vain. It’s my way of working towards more belief in myself and capabilities. There really isn’t a better role model out than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His self-centeredness and inflated ego is enviable. I truly aspire to his level of self-assuredness. Here are the lessons I’m taking from him.

Recognize you are special.

As much as I want to be more like him, I can’t be like Zlatan. He repeatedly says, “There is only one Zlatan.” He owns his “specialness.” Nay, he declares it. Step 1 is for me to admit the same. There is only one me. Step 2 is to declare the world lucky to have me. The fact that I am here with my unique set of skills is truly a blessing to the world and all those I come across. I add value that others can’t. Instead of shrinking back because I’m not like this or that other person, I elevate it. As he would say, “You’re welcome.” The world should be so honored to have me here.

Lean into exaggeration.

As he unveiled his top 10 players of the tournament, the retired soccer star listed himself at the number 1 spot. Even though he has not played in a World Cup since 2006, he is the perennial leader on the board. From his vantage point, obviously, there is no one better, so who can topple him from that spot.

Moving into meetings, I can walk in to the room with a similar level of confidence knowing that I do in fact belong there. Obviously, there is no one better. There is no need to waste energy questioning it. There is no sense in trying to strike comparisons. There is no need to worry about getting “found out” as an impostor who shouldn’t be in the room, because there is no truth to the idea that I don’t belong. Of course I belong. They built the table for me.

Speak the truth.

Having an inflated ego doesn’t prevent Zlatan from highlighting others’ strengths. At no point in his commentary does he tear down another player or commentator. He declares himself the best and delivers critical feedback, but he shines a light on what others do well. Believing in myself doesn’t preclude me from seeing the best in others. I can do both. Also, if no one around me is any good, what does being the best even mean?

Do more than talk about it

It is one thing to have confidence, it is another thing to provide the supporting evidence. The man believes in himself, to potentially an unhealthy degree, but he was also a top athlete. I can talk the talk, hyping myself up, but I still have to put the work in to be good at what I do.

My goal is to take time this week and use this as a blueprint for my thinking. How much different will my week be if I approach life like this? I am excited to find out.