Sometimes, it takes a boost before you can truly reach your potential.

Just a few months after I started my first job, a huge opportunity presented itself. My company needed someone in my office to take a leadership role in solving one of the highest-profile problems in the company, and no one seemed eager to volunteer. So during one of our meetings to discuss the plan going forward, one of my coworkers pitched my name.

At first, I laughed.

I honestly thought it was a joke. Given how little real-world experience I had, I thought there was no way that I’d be able to play a key role in solving the incredibly complex problem we were facing.

But after thinking things through and talking with my management team, I decided to give it a shot.

I ended up taking on that added responsibility, and through this experience, I surprised myself with my performance. I honestly didn’t think that I had much to offer in my position, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I was capable of rising to the occasion.

As time went by, I grew in ways I couldn’t imagine, and I became more and more convinced that I had in fact been the right person for the job.

I just never would’ve guessed it at the time.

 

A similar situation took place in high school.

A few days after the basketball season ended during my junior year, my coach pulled me into his office for a conversation.

Our past season had been a huge success. We made it all the way to our regional final game and won a district championship along the way.

Throughout the year, I had earned a decent amount of playing time, but admittedly, I was little more than a role player. I played decent defense, pulled down a few rebounds, and made a couple of baskets every game. But I was by no means a key player on the team.

However, given the make-up of our roster, I was actually by far the most experienced player who would be returning the next year.

So my coach saw a problem. And an opportunity.

His message was simple. Our team needed a leader. We needed someone to step up and lead the team in the off-season, and we also needed someone to fill the huge gap we now had on offense.

And he expected me to fill both roles.

The only problem was that I didn’t see how I could do it.

I was used to leading teams and serving the captain role, so I was confident that I’d do a fine job there, but I didn’t understand how I could be our go-to offensive option. Almost all of my baskets during the previous season had come through putbacks and open jump shots, but now I suddenly needed to learn how to create my offense.

 

I didn’t see how it could happen, but my coach believed in me. And sure enough, over the next 9 months or so I developed more than I could’ve ever anticipated.

 

In both of these situations, I reached my potential thanks to some help.

Simply put, others saw what I couldn’t.

They saw my potential and had the confidence in me that I was lacking.

I’m grateful that someone spoke up on my behalf in both of these situations. Otherwise, I imagine my life would be a lot different right now.

That basketball experience played a crucial role in giving me the confidence to take on increasingly more challenging obstacles in my life, including the project that I highlighted at work. And that level of confidence is still paying dividends.

But what if no one had ever spoken up?

I would’ve missed out on two tremendous growth opportunities.

Admittedly, I got lucky.

I got lucky that someone did for me what I didn’t have the confidence to do for myself.

But relying on these types of experiences isn’t a sustainable plan for success. I imagine there are other similarly tremendous opportunities that have passed me by when I didn’t have anyone to encourage me.

So what can we learn from this?

If you’re fortunate enough to see a situation for what it is, and to identify potential in someone that they might not see in themselves, speak up. It just might be the nudge they need to take a huge step forward.

And at the same time, if you’re doubting your ability to take on something new, don’t be afraid to take the risk. As I’ve written about before, don’t just blindly assume that you’ll be at your best as soon as you start, but give it a shot.

The only way you can grow is if you’re willing to try.

-Brandon