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Our lives as communicators require large amounts of time spent in our own minds—mapping, strategising, and then sculpting words to create meaningful connections in the wider world. It’s within that inner world that a saboteur sits waiting. No matter how great the work we’re doing, there it sits. Waiting. |
You’re not good enough.
Someone did this better.
How could you possibly think this will be approved?
When reflecting on these inner attacks, it can sometimes be surprising we manage to get a single word on a page. So, how do we as communicators become resilient enough to learn to hear that voice, acknowledge it, and then push past? Well, if you’re anything like me, you can watch RuPaul’s Drag Race.
People chuckle when I mention how much of an impact RuPaul Charles has had on my life. They may suspect what I’m saying to be less than genuine, but rest assured, I mean every word.
Of course I watch Rupaul’s Drag Race for the same reasons any other person does (or should, if you don’t already): it’s irreverent, slightly subversive, and the contestants display more wit and creativity in a single episode than I can aspire to in a lifetime.
But there’s another reason. At the close of every episode, RuPaul says, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love someone else?”
I heard that message for four seasons before it smacked me upside the face and seared into my consciousness. Today I listen for it to serve as a gentle reminder.
We’ll never be able to move past our own self-doubt until we learn to accept and acknowledge that fact that we can be our own worst enemies.
And while I am referencing internal, individual battles we all face, it’s important to take time to acknowledge the same battle in others. None of us should be alone, especially when our profession is rooted in human connection. Let your fellow communicators know how great they are. Compliment something on which they’ve recently worked. Champion them in meetings when they’re having the courageous conversations that can move your organisation forward.
It’s our ability to connect and love—ourselves and others—that set us apart from the machines.
At least for the time being.
So let’s celebrate ourselves and each other.
And watch a little more RuPaul. Can I get an Amen?
Chris
Someone did this better.
How could you possibly think this will be approved?
When reflecting on these inner attacks, it can sometimes be surprising we manage to get a single word on a page. So, how do we as communicators become resilient enough to learn to hear that voice, acknowledge it, and then push past? Well, if you’re anything like me, you can watch RuPaul’s Drag Race.
People chuckle when I mention how much of an impact RuPaul Charles has had on my life. They may suspect what I’m saying to be less than genuine, but rest assured, I mean every word.
Of course I watch Rupaul’s Drag Race for the same reasons any other person does (or should, if you don’t already): it’s irreverent, slightly subversive, and the contestants display more wit and creativity in a single episode than I can aspire to in a lifetime.
But there’s another reason. At the close of every episode, RuPaul says, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love someone else?”
I heard that message for four seasons before it smacked me upside the face and seared into my consciousness. Today I listen for it to serve as a gentle reminder.
We’ll never be able to move past our own self-doubt until we learn to accept and acknowledge that fact that we can be our own worst enemies.
And while I am referencing internal, individual battles we all face, it’s important to take time to acknowledge the same battle in others. None of us should be alone, especially when our profession is rooted in human connection. Let your fellow communicators know how great they are. Compliment something on which they’ve recently worked. Champion them in meetings when they’re having the courageous conversations that can move your organisation forward.
It’s our ability to connect and love—ourselves and others—that set us apart from the machines.
At least for the time being.
So let’s celebrate ourselves and each other.
And watch a little more RuPaul. Can I get an Amen?
Chris