How many of us are ready for some personal and professional growth in 2023? How about scaling our business or even some of the charismatic qualities that people remember us for? I keep hearing from people around me that 2022 felt like a continuum of the nightmare we know as life "after the pandemic" with little hope or change for the better. Though my own personal experience is actually quite different... I see it.
But what are we going to do about it? Are we going to remain stagnant and wait for others to make the last shoe drop for us, or are we going to better our own damn selves and promote from within? I vote for the latter!
Speak Up
Speech is something I am challenging myself to improve this year. I want to share my thought, ideas, and wisdom with others succinctly, yet in a way that reaches the ears of my audience on a deeper level. Like deep-end-deep. I want people to really "hear" what I have to say and feel inspired to follow suit in whatever way makes sense to them. So, how I am going to do it? Well, first off, I am reading this pretty incredible book called, "How to Say it for Women", by Phyllis Mindell. The book itself talks about diminishing words like "just" and pre-cursors like "I think" or "I feel"... great therapy segues but not powerful to demand the attention and respect of anyone outside your personal relationships.
Second, I made the goal to expand my vocabulary to encompass more of my thoughts; wasting less energy and making larger imprints on people's lives. But what if no one knows what you're talking about? No worries; you are not literally throwing away all of your "everyday words" but are instead introducing new ones to your regular conversations. If someone doesn't know the meaning of one or two words, it can challenge them to grow by looking it up or being vulnerable enough to ask you directly. All around, an opportunity.
Here's how to get started:
1. Design & Define
First off, you need to design what you want to achieve, how you want to be perceived, and who you want to grow into this year. Make a list of specific SMART goals you are hopeful of while separately defining the person you envision yourself being in 2023. From how you look, to how you engage, who you engage with, your relationship with others and yourself, etc.
Next, take those lists and verbiage used in your designed image of future self and google synonyms. Are there words that more closely describe the life or goal you are wanting to achieve? Does it make your design elements more succinct? Interesting? Valuable? If so, write them down - you are ready to move on to step two!
2. Prepare on Paper
Using your new found favorites, re-write your description of self and the mission you are hell-bent on serving this year. Keep writing and editing until it sounds natural to YOU. Like something you can hear yourself saying because, well.... the next step is to say it out loud.
3. Practice in Person
Whether you are speaking directly one on one with someone, with a group of friends or colleagues, or are practicing in front of your mirror, you need to get your mouth moving in the direction of NEW growth.
Speak your new defined life. Say and repeat your new power words. Own them. Love them. And share them with the world. It is when we stay quiet that we show our fear of lacking to the world around us.