Walk in like you’re loved, not like you’re entitled.

There is a posture between shrinking and swagger, and most people only know the two extremes. Entering a room as though you have to earn the right to be there makes you anxious and hard to talk to, while entitlement makes you unpleasant. Being settled looks like neither, because someone who already knows they are loved has nothing to extract from the room.

Before the next place that intimidates you, spend a minute remembering what is already true about you. Then go in and pay attention to other people rather than to your own performance.