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"Success is a form of trauma."
My career coach, the woman who worked with me to develop what would eventually become The Content Interpreter, told me this once, and I never forgot it. Not only did I never forget it, I have shared it on podcasts, with clients, and maybe even in this space.
When I shared it once with another coach, he said, "I've had success. Trust me: it's not that bad."
Yes, I know he was joking. At the heart of this joke, though, is a kernel of the misunderstanding of what comes with and from success. In short, it can feel traumatic as you're making your personal climb upwards.
In the last month, The Content Interpreter has arguably had more success than ever before - new clients and new partners! Accompanying that is a new outlook: when do I add value for clients and how much? Answering these questions involves a reorientation, even if it comes with perks.
While I have not had all the success I'm seeking in my life, here are three lessons I've learned. Each has a strong connection to public speaking and thought leadership:
1. Your contributions don't make an impact in a single moment: Over the holiday weekend, legendary Broadway figure Stephen Sondheim passed away. On CBS Sunday Morning, Mo Rocca summed up Sondheim's contributions: he "forced the American musical to grow up".
This wasn't and couldn't have been a mission statement of Sondheim's, of course, nor was the cultural impact immediate. His influence was built one song at a time. It can be the same way for you: one speech, one presentation at a time.
2. If you're not feeling it, it will never work: One of my recent clients is a CEO who has a lot of experience engaging audiences at conferences. He knows what he likes, and he knows what he doesn't.
I'm not ashamed to say that many of my initial notes and insights did not make it into the final version of his speech. If I've learned anything from four years of working with speakers and thought leaders, it's that they must believe in what they're saying (for more on this, check out my video on the Four Essential Elements for Every Speech). If something is even slightly uncomfortable, it can put everything else at risk.
It's OK to try new things, but if you're just not feeling your content, it's best to shelve it, especially if you know what works for you (aka you've had success on stage).
3. It's all about momentum: I'm not someone who believes in "the universe" trying to tell us things, but something I've noticed about success just may qualify.
When I have one new opportunity, two others emerge at the same time. When opportunities are not presenting themselves, it's that much harder to find the next one.
I can't explain this, but I do see the parallel when it comes to creating a great speech. One idea has to flow into the other on stage, and the ideas presented in that single speech have to flow with your overall speaking persona. Authenticity is what gives your thought leadership momentum.
What are your lessons from the success you've enjoyed?