"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States (1809 - 1865)
Expressions like "Fake it 'til you make it", and "Never let them see you sweat" have become not only acceptable for many for being less than sincere with others...they have even allowed some, sadly, to be shallow with themselves.
Instead of being concerned with what others think, or don't think, of us, how nice would it be to be REAL with ourselves...and others as well? What I mean by REAL is:
R - Relevant. The opposite of relevance is vanity. Remember to be aware, stay abreast of what is happening, know you are not the only person who may be experiencing what is great, or challenging, and keep that perspective while being sad, glad, or anything in between.
E - Enthusiasm. The opposite of enthusiasm is apathy. Your attitude is your enthusiasm...it need not be loud or vocal, just yours. Having a belief in yourself and others while knowing whatever attitude you have is your choice, and your enthusiasm can be contagious...and worth catching!
A - Action. The opposite of action is worry. Worry yields nothing positive.
Inaction is action,remember to choose wisely, as actions have rewards & consequences. Own your actions!
L - Leadership. The opposite of leadership is pessimism. The followers are not the opposite of the leader, as the followers are part of what make the leaders' leadership grow. Following is a way of leading self. Lead and guide yourself first, and others later. By leading yourself and setting an example is the way to what I call "Micro-leadership". Lead by example, and learn from experience.
As you maintain being relevant, embrace and share your enthusiasm, take action (and ownership of it), your leadership will continue to develop. These things will get and keep things REAL for you...no faking it, just making it...no sweat required!!!
"All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that."
- Baltasar Gracian
Spanish Writer (1601 - 1658)
Time is something that is non-renewable, precious, and yet many people act as though it is simply a slippery slope instead of a manageable resource. What causes that? And, how do we overcome that feeling of "no time"!?!
While much attention will not spent on these reasons or excuses, it seems the idea of "I don't have time for XYZ" is simply an acceptable response to someone or something being presented. There is rarely an explanation that is intelligent or encouraging, thoughtful or thorough, rather it just gets blurted as though the person can barely spare the seconds to utter the words, let alone, do whatever is being suggested/asked.
I am not encouraging anyone to say "yes" to everything or fake it on time, or even miss sleep to get things done in order to appear as though you can take on the day with ease and have "all the time in the world"! Instead, please consider eliminating:
I'm so busy!
I just don't have time for XYZ!
You must have a lot more time on your hands than I do!
I'm always late! / I'm always rushing!
Who has got time for that?
Instead, TIME can be viewed as:
Taking-on, and
Incorporating
Manageable
Expectations
In other words, be focused, be in control, and be appreciative of the time you get. How about:
I'm so busy! becomes "It's a full day!" or "It's going to be a productive day!"
I just don't have time for XYZ! becomes "No, thank you" or "That's not a good fit for me."
You must have a lot more time on your hands than I do! becomes "Good for you that you are dedicating time to what is important to you!"
I'm always late! / I'm always rushing! becomes "Because I want to respect your time, let's please meet 15 minutes later."
Who has got time for that? becomes a silent smile, rather than judging someone else for his/her choices
By replacing the first expressions that are lifeless and show no control or interest, and even insult the listener by implying you have more things going on than s/he, with these listed above, you will not only communicate more effectively, you will likely feel a sense of management and ownership of your choices, and your actions, which after all, add up to how you spend your TIME!
"Courteousness is consideration for others; politeness is the method used to deliver such considerations." - Bryant H. McGill
When you invite someone to your club or a restaurant/bar with a view, leave the seats with the best view for your guest, as you have seen the view before, and in order to host well, allow that person or people to experience that appeal that attracted you to the location/experience.
Hosting and having people enjoy the experience are things that may feel good, even if what you see is less that the best picture outside your table or seat...and yet, the view you really want will be those across from you having a great time!
Debbie Lundberg Life & Business Coaching became Presenting Powerfully by Debbie Lundberg in 2013.
The tagline for the new venture is "Partnering with individuals & organizations to enhance communication, behaviors & relationships."
The focus of what is offered has not changed, and includes:
- Inspirational & Entertaining Speaking Engagements
- Group & Team Training Events
- Personality & Interest Assessments
- Life, Business & Presentation Coaching
The new logo, with the two Ps, reflects the internal and external aspects of how we present to ourselves and others. After all, how we present is how we are remembered, so whether it is one-on-one, in your writing, for a group or a meeting, continue to be Presenting Powerfully!
