It’s easy to underestimate the influence we have on others and to downplay the contributions we make in our community and world. In some cases, modesty may hold us back. Or it could be lack of confidence.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. And if you find that hard to accept, consider these examples of people who underestimated their worth. They thought their efforts were minor, but they went on to influence a world that heard and understood their messages.
- When Thomas Paine published his brief pamphlet Common Sense in 1776, it caused quite a stir among American patriots. Paine was astonished and protested to a friend that “Everything I’ve said here has been said before and at greater length!”
- As Abraham Lincoln delivered his address at Gettysburg, he commented: “The world will little note nor long remember the words said here today.” He never imagined that people would commit that speech to memory for well over a century.
- The writer/minister/philosopher Norman Vincent Peale so misjudged his manuscript for The Power of Positive Thinking that he trashed it. He also mad his wife promise to leave it in the circular file. Wisely, she retrieved it and sent it to a publisher. Of course, it became one of the most read books of the 20th
Paine might have been saying the same old stuff. But he said it briefly and in a clear and powerful way that made people take notice. And so did Lincoln and Peale. The difference is that they spoke out with confidence and so can you. And I am urging you to do the same.
I’ll bet that just like me, you’ve engaged in situations and heard someone say the simplest or most obvious thing-something you know you’ve heard before. But they say it in a way that makes you think “Wow! That’s a good idea.”
The other half of speaking your mind with confidence is listening with respect. Most of us grow when someone else cares enough to recognize our ideas, so you’ll encourage confidence in others when you listen to them.
Quote of the week: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment take the moment and make it perfect.”
Word of the week: Importance – The state or fact of being of great significance or value.
Ask yourself: What opportunities have passed you by because you didn’t believe what you had to say was important?
Speaking With a Purpose: “I help you bridge the gap between … Where you are verses where you want to be.” My ultimate goal – help you become a better you!
Until next time,
Houston out
