Why I Speak
“Robert, that was amazing.”
“Dude, you totally crushed it.”
“OMG, that was so awesome!”
“Wow, I’ve needed this for so long.”
“So great!”
I’ve heard these statements and others like it when I have spoken, and for a long time, they made me cringe a bit. Emotionally, I didn’t feel like it was “crushed.” Quite the opposite. I felt like I had more work to do. I felt as if I didn’t know enough.
On the one hand, these adulations were fun because they made me feel good for a moment. It was like a quick sugar rush. But, then I realized the moment wasn’t for me. I wasn’t speaking for me. I wasn’t talking to people because I wanted a pat on the back. I was doing it because there was a problem. So, the “feel good” took a hit because I realized that even when I finished speaking, there was still much more “problem” to solve.
I remember my days as a classroom teacher. I prepared and explained and taught and explained. It was hard work. It wasn’t physically exhausting like a construction gig. It felt harder. Some days, you were physically, mentally and emotionally drained. So, on the days, when in the midst of a teaching moment, you saw a light bulb emerge from a student’s mind, it was an unexplainable thrill. Those were the moments for which you lived. Those were the time slivers that made you return the next day.
I realize that I continue to search for those moments. Even when someone acknowledges the hard work, or when someone affirms my ability or execution, I realize that somewhere, I’m looking for the light bulb. I love the light bulb. I want to know they got it and it made a difference. I want to know that the story deep inside them was able to be released and they are now equipped to move forward, powerfully. Subconsciously, I’m searching for a notification which says, “Yep, the progress switch just got flipped.”
And maybe that’s just what I’ve received when I hear, “Thank you. That was awesome!”
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About The Author
My name is Robert Kennedy III. I’m a leadership and communication speaker, trainer and author. I recently released 7 Ways To Know You Were Meant To Lead on Amazon. Connect with me on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebookor on my website, RobertKennedy3.com.
