There. I said it. For years people have asked me what kind of speaker I am and I NEVER, I mean never say that I’m a motivational speaker. BUT… I am. So, what gives?
Here are two things that came to mind when I started thinking about this blog post.
1) I have always had a hard time in the past admitting I was something because I never thought I was good enough. Now, after the fact, when there’s nothing at stake, I’ll announce it like no one’s business! But the during is the hard part. I can’t tell you how many times that has tripped me up or become some sort of made up obstacle that I put in my pwn way. When I was a professional touring musician, I never told people that was my main job. I always shied away from it. When I owned a marketing firm, I really didn’t tell people I was a marketing professional. I played the part though. And now, most recently, I don’t want to tell people that I’m a motivational speaker. But, it’s true. AND I’ll start saying it now, while I’m doing it, instead of waiting for years from now, when I’m no longer in the business. What’s the common denominator? Lack of belief in myself. AND that is just some bullshit. I’m good. I know it. I can and have motivated scores and scores of people. I even have proof; they have told me. My clients have thanked me. My friends and colleagues have sent me notes showing gratitude for my advice, direction, and support. What the hell else do I need? I need ME to believe it.
2) A friend, colleague, mentor, AND freaking amazing person made me rethink my own hesitation to call myself a motivational speaker. Elizabeth McCormick is a kick ass, bad ass, and UH-mazing speaker and human. Recently, I got to spend a day with her and she told it like it was. She declared, “I’m a motivational speaker.” And then unabashedly explained why she very enthusiastically took on that title. She say that she motivates and inspires people. True. I have seen her in action. She motivates and inspires me. Another thing she said was really brilliant and simple. She said that a lot people are looking for that, not all the other fancy things we call ourselves. So, why wouldn’t she claim it? Duh.
So, armed with this new insight and a belief in myself, I proudly claim the title of Motivational Speaker. What is it that you’re not claiming about yourself. Believe it. Say it out loud to yourself. It’s true. You just gotta get you on board; the rest of us already are.
