What happened when I followed the advice in inspirational quotes?

In my role as a trainer and mentor for a number of women’s development programmes, it’s important that I’m able to model the behaviours I’m encouraging other women to develop. I can’t hide behind excuses such as “it’s too difficult“, “what if I fail?” and “‘it’s scary.” I must lead by example. As I routinely reference inspirational quotes, I decided to apply the advice.

Over the past 12 months I’ve consciously attempted to demonstrate the behaviours I train others in. This has led to some interesting opportunities which I wouldn’t have anticipated, as well as several successes. Here are two quotes which have resonated with me this year with examples of where I’ve applied them to good effect.

  1. Saying yes.

If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it, say “yes”, then learn how to do it later!                                                                     Richard Branson.

Taking Richard Branson’s advice led me to accept an offer to be a webinar panellist for ‘AI and the Future of work.’ On the strength of one blog post on Chat GPT,  suddenly it seemed I had sufficient wisdom to be called upon to contribute to a high-profile event which several hundred people had signed up to attend. I said “yes” all the while thinking “they must be mad- what do I know?” but somehow knowing that making the commitment would ensure I undertook enough research not to appear a complete fool.

Do you know how many reports were produced on Gen AI during last summer? Fortunately, there were a lot, so I was able to do my homework- and found myself enjoying the challenge.

Tip:

When you’re asked to do something that gives you butterflies in your tummy- say yes. Those butterflies can be reframed from fear to excitement and anticipation, enabling you to channel any nervous energy into your research and preparation.

2. Saying no

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non apologetically — to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside.             

               Stephen Covey       

Whereas “yes” opens up opportunities for growth I am also starting to enjoy flexing my “no” muscle. Saying “no” is about creating boundaries and having others respect these.

A few months’ ago I was approached through LinkedIn by a woman working in UK Real Estate. She had invited me to attend a property development event.  Many large UK Real Estate organisations (it was an impressive list) would be present at a prestigious central London hotel in Bloomsbury. She would like me to deliver a session on how Real Estate companies could diversify their workforces by attracting more women. The organisation would not be in a position to pay me – but this would be a great networking opportunity for me.
I responded, thanking the woman for the invitation. I pointed out the irony of inviting a female speaker to deliver a session on encouraging more women into the sector. I suggested this was frankly a bit of an own goal- and that I would not be willing to deliver such a session unless it was paid – and my expenses covered.
I’ve been on a bit of a “no” roll this year….requests for events with limited preparation time, activities presuming I have time and resources at my disposal have all been met with a polite but unequivocal “no.” To one request I actually said: “Show me the colour of your money and then we can have a conversation.”
Trust me; the more you practice saying “no“, the easier it becomes. Being willing to assert yourself builds self-respect which in turn generates respect for your boundaries from others.
Tip:
If saying ‘no‘ is an area you struggle with I can highly recommend the book  ‘The No Club.’

By Anne

Author: Anne I am an award-winning Springboard women's development trainer and professionally qualified careers consultant with many years' experience in management and leadership roles. I'm a qualified Strengths practitioner, and coach. I deliver strengths training to both staff and leadership teams. You can follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonanne/

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version