We recently connected with Lisa Rouse and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
As a child and teen, I went through a phase where I lacked any type of confidence. Gaining confidence did not happen overnight. I was unsure of all the things that most young people go through; am I smart enough, tall enough, pretty enough you name it I questioned it. I think I gained the most confidence when I succeded by setting goals and then seeing those goals came to reality. I did well in school, joined the Army, and was able to clear what I saw as barriers with no problem. I went on to find a career that I loved and did well in that career. I found that if I put my mind to it and really wanted to succeed that success was satisfying and made the next thing on the list much easier. As I matured I learned that it does not matter what other people think, it matters what I think about myself. I found that when I ignored what other people said about my achievements, and stopped looking for validation and praise from others I was much happier. I am still a work in process, but my confidence and self-esteem are what push me forward.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a physician assistant who has moved into the education side of the profession. I have always wanted to be in the medical field and when I joined the Army I learned there were multiple ways to be a part of serving others medically. I love talking with people, learning who they are and what makes them tick. I am that person that will talk to a person in the airport and next thing you seven or eight years later we are still friends. Being a physician assistant is the perfect fit for me. I could connect with my patients in a way that allowed them to trust my recommendations and a relationship. I had patients that also showed me about compassion and understanding. Once I decided to leave clinical practice, I think moving over to education was a natural progression. I am still connected to the profession that I love, but now I get to be a part of educating and guiding the next generation of PAs.
I also call myself a serial entrepreneur. Not all of my endeavors have been successful, but success does not equate to making money. Money is not always the driving force for someone who likes to succeed The thought of doing something fun and different is the big draw. I have had online stores, a bakery, and a stint in party planning among other things. I am not sure what I will do next but I am always thinking about what is coming.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think the three qualities a person can have are drive, a thirst for knowledge, and an adventurous spirit. If a person lacks drive, then they are not likely to be able to work hard when it seems like the vision is not going to come to be. A person with drive is always thinking of the next step, what can I do to make this happen and actually do it? I person with a thirst for knowledge is always looking to improve themself. That person will read, and attend events to help them better understand their profession and field and most importantly a person with a thirst for knowledge is more likely to be coachable and mentored. A person who is adventurous is more likely to act despite their fear. I always looked at situations as “What is the worst that can happen”? If the worst is not death then probably I can handle it (just kidding). If one looks at the worst-case scenario and sees that isn’t the worst thing in life, then the adventure is where you want to go.
I think people who are early in their journey, they have to have perspective and emotional intelligence. A person has to know themself and how they will react to loss, disappointment, success, and achievement. Even someone who is further along in their journey has to constantly do a self-evaluation and make sure they are aware of what may be hindering their momentum. Did they lose that drive along the way? Did they allow a setback to dampen their adventurous spirit? Frequent self-evaluation is important. Another way to develop is by seeking and listening to constructive criticism. You have to be open to critique from a trusted mentor or friend or a qualified stranger even if it stings or hurts. Don’t make excuses but make changes.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
The first thing I have to do is recognize I am overwhelmed. Some people say “I work better under stress” but that is not how you should function all the time. I had to learn being constantly stressed affects your physical and mental well-being. I would go on so overwhelmed because I did not want to appear weak, needy or unqualified. I learned the hard way that I should not be living my life in survival mode. I am still learning how to turn off, ask for help, or at times admit that I may not be able to do what I need to do without stopping and breathing. I highly recommend having people who are willing to step in and stop your self-destruction. I also highly recommend having a therapist. It helps and it is not a sign of anything but wisdom to seek help. I also recommend self-care, which is determined by the individual. It is okay to unplug and get a massage. It is okay to choose a day and make that your relaxation and release day. I love to read and listen to audiobooks and they are not all self-help and business-themed. I like a good zombie novel or autobiography of a person I admire to hear they had doubts, anxiety, and stress and still came out on top. Netflix and chill is okay if that is what you need to relax so you can think and make a plan to get past the current barrier.
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