Raising My Standards
Months ago, while thinking of plans for the upcoming year, I’d mentioned my proposed hourly rate to my mentor Herb. I did the same to my cousin Beverly. Both were in agreement I should raise my rate, but incremental steps were needed. While I was just writing this, the thought occurred to me that, with regard to raising my standards, I need to do that with my communication style.
Most, if not all of the people speaking with me, require further explanation of my thoughts or ideas. I definitely have a deficiency when it comes to articulating my thoughts, concepts, and ideas to others. I’m actually struggling to finish this writing since the thought just occurred. My current, and some of my past challenges, may be directly related to my inability to articulate them to others in a position to facilitate their completion.
Years ago, while an outpatient getting my medication readjusted, I had to attend these group therapy sessions. The guy leading the group, Patrick, had us perform an active listening exercise. It was a variant of others I’d learned from Sales training in a couple of organizations, but still sticks out in my mind. Each of us was asked to speak uninterrupted for 90 seconds as our partner listened. Patrick then asked the person listening to repeat what was said. With rare exception, no one got it back verbatim or even in its essence.
The purpose of the exercise was profound. What we speak and what is heard are, more often than not, two different things. This is in just short bursts of 90 seconds, not to mention longer monologues which can happen quite often with friends and colleagues. Another friend using an extremely effective technique. After you speak, John says, “What I heard you say was…” he then repeats what he heard you say. Afterwards, he ask, “Is that correct” or “Did I hear you correctly?”
Moving forward, I will raise my standards. Raising my standards for communicating, delivering service, and delivering value will be top of mind. I am willing to bet that elevating my message delivery will directly and exponentially raise my income. I’m also guessing it’ll help me become more effective in fulfilling my purpose and act as n accelerate.
Today, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, I am grateful that:
Victoria and I got a chance to catch up for a bit yesterday. I provided an update on my progress on an endeavor we’re embarking on together. She was happy with the progress and grateful for the update. She provided some insights and I’m happy she was able to share her experience.
The epiphanies I’d been getting from and during writing these lists have returned. In the last week it’s happened a couple of times and I didn’t know I missed it until it was gone and then returned. “You never miss your water, ‘til your well runs dry” is the adage that comes to mind.
I’m beginning to recall, remember, and relive the greatness which I have achieved. I am not resting on my laurels. But to turn a blind eye to what I’ve accomplished, in essence, shuns the greatness He has facilitated. For my Creator to be proud of what I’ve done, by getting out of his way, is really something to strive for.
What are your standards? In your
This is the first part of the entry.