Trust Yourself Always: A Candidate Survival Guide

Oct 8
22:55

2007

Scott Perreault

Scott Perreault

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

A candidate enters the race as one person and exits as another. The goal is to be able find your soul when the battle is over.

mediaimage
Over the twenty years I have spent working with Local,Trust Yourself Always: A Candidate Survival Guide Articles Statewide and National campaigns, one thing has held true each election cycle: The Candidate must trust his/her inner self.

This is easier said then done. Most every campaign will have to endure uncertainty, exhaustion, resource pinches, second guessing, and fickle supporters. There will moments each day when you want to run away from it all. To be a winner a candidate must have an inner core that shines during the darkest of moments, provides mental refuge and instills the confidence to go forward. With this fortitude, there will be moments each day that make the process life affirming.

I have had the opportunity to work with great men and women across America. Win or lose, the strong candidate does not change. None of the tough questions can be answered without trusting in one's self. I am there to help with the tough questions. I am on speed dial. I am there on election day.

But no matter how much help I provide, the candidate must look into the mirror when the election is over, win or lose. It's a natural part of the process, assessing the self, the evolution of the self. Inevitably, the candidate who took advice from advisors and then molded it all into decisions that resonate from the soul will smile in the mirror. The candidate who deferred during the defining moments will see either an empty victory or ocean full of what-if's.

As an advisor, I long ago realized I am not the candidate. It is not my soul up for grabs. I get to walk away. A rookie advisor will exude energy on the outside, while filled with false beliefs and unrealistic notions on the inside. The veteran will remain calm on both the exterior and interior. The veteran knows that if the candidate remains true, the organization will remained focused and success is attainable.

If you plan to run for election, just as starting a business, you need to put together a team. Recruit champions. Develop a plan. Determine what capital and resources are required. Above all, take a look in the mirror and make sure you like what you see – and what you will see after the election. Then you can enjoy the ride.

Article "tagged" as:

Categories: