Words have powerful personal messages. Writers know this all too well and hunt for words like treasures. We teach children words as soon as they will follow our voices. Words matter.
I was haunted by a word placed in my first real work evaluation for many years until I realized that it wasn’t meant as negative. I let my thought about the word miss the intent of my boss. My first managerial position allowed me to demonstrate some innate organizational abilities. The business called for everything to be scheduled and materially supported correctly to work well. When we missed one of those marks, we ran to catch up and there were disappointments on many fronts. I didn’t like working those days and decided to figure out what worked well and copy it. My boss noticed the changes, like a good boss does, and gave me a glowing evaluation that included the word “methodical.” In his mind, he was complimenting me, raising the leadership’s interest in promoting me quickly. I was put on a fast track and liked the chance to work at a higher level and increase my salary.
I never talked about the offense I took to that one word being included in a very flattering review and tried my best to put off the negative connotation it had for me. Looking back, I have been a little obsessed with my habits that worked for me. They scream boring to others but I have benefitted from their use. It took me years to embrace that part of my nature because others around me valued spontaneity. I definitely was not that kind of manager but didn’t mind when others felt the need to surprise. That one word kept me from embracing my serious side until it didn’t, and I realized what discipline gave me. At that point, I owned it.
To this day, I don’t tell jokes because I am not very good at them. I can speak to large groups easily but I don’t entertain audiences well conventionally. I love to let others shine in the spotlight. I just needed to realize that I liked being the one holding the light for others. That one change in perspective gave me my gift of purpose. All I had to do was stop thinking I had to be like someone else or worse, everyone else. Being me became my freedom. Lucky for everyone else, it lets them be who they want to be also.
Who are you when you are your truest self? How can embracing that everyday brand make you a better you? Take two minutes to write a list of ordinary words that describe you. Don’t shy away from the ones that hurt your feelings; they need the most reflection. Be you, the best you. No one else can do that.
