The Secret to Being Brilliant (It’s Not What You Think)

Embracing Your Brilliance: A Personal Journey and a Path Forward

Being brilliant is something we all secretly strive for, though we often disguise this yearning behind more modest words. We say, "I wish I was a better teacher, chef, entrepreneur, parent, friend..." The list goes on. Yet beneath these desires lies a deeper longing—to stand in our own brilliance, to shine in a way that makes us feel proud and alive.

Are you ready to listen? Let me share one of my own moments.

A Moment of Fear and Growth

In my first year of secondary school, I was chosen to read at the school assembly. The day arrived, and so did the nerves. My heart pounded, my palms were clammy, and I stood before the sea of faces, desperately wishing to be anywhere else.

I mumbled my way through the passage, my hands trembling and my face flushed. My voice was barely audible, a shaky whisper lost in the vast hall. The teacher quickly intervened with a curt, "Thank you, Mandy. You can sit down." Relief washed over me, but so did shame. I wanted to vanish. I hated how shy I was, and I berated myself for failing.

But here's the twist. That moment, though painful, planted a seed. I never wanted to feel that powerless again. Determined to change, I read about public speaking. I practiced aloud, recorded my voice (cringing at the playback), and studied how confident speakers carried themselves. Slowly, I improved.

Then, one day, I did something bold.

At the next opportunity, I volunteered to read at another assembly. My teacher, visibly concerned, tried to persuade me otherwise. But I stood my ground. This time, I smiled. My voice rang out, clear and steady. With each sentence, my confidence grew. The look of astonishment on my teacher's face, the nodding approval of my peers—I can still see and feel it now. It was a moment of triumph, a personal victory that I will never forget.

Recognizing Your Own Brilliant Moments

Here’s the truth: You already are brilliant. Throughout your life, you’ve had moments of brilliance—moments where you shone, achieved something meaningful, or conquered a challenge. They may not have been on a stage, but they mattered.

Think back. When did you last feel truly proud of yourself? Maybe it was a kind word you offered a friend, a project you completed, or a difficult conversation you faced with courage. No matter how small it seems, it counts. Each brilliant moment leaves a mark, shaping your confidence and self-belief.

Reliving and Reclaiming Your Brilliance

Now, close your eyes. Picture one of those moments. Remember how it felt—the warmth of pride, the burst of joy, the satisfaction of knowing you did something worthwhile. Let that feeling wash over you. Relive it. Savor it.

Write it down if you can. Describe how it felt, what you learned, and how it changed you. When you revisit these memories, you remind yourself of your capacity for brilliance.

The Path Forward

Knowing that you are capable of brilliance means you can tap into that power again. Each time you face self-doubt or fear, remember those moments. They are proof of your strength and potential.

The next time you wish to be a better teacher, chef, entrepreneur, parent, or friend, don’t shrink from the challenge. Instead, smile. Stand tall. You’ve been brilliant before, and you can be brilliant again.

Your brilliance is not a fleeting spark—it's a constant, waiting to be reignited.

So, step forward. The spotlight is yours.

By Mandy Brown

www.purechannelhealing.co.uk