The Declaration of You

For those of you who haven’t heard, the delightful & mega-talented duo of Jessica Swift & Michelle Ward are beginning their Declaration of You Blog Lovin’ Tour today and I’m am thrilled to be a part of it! It’s a big celebration for the launch of their new book, The Declaration on You and we are all celebrating the uniqueness in all of us!

The Declaration of You will be published by North Light Craft Books this summer, with readers getting all the permission they’ve craved to step passionately into their lives, discover how they and their gifts are unique and uncover what they are meant to do!  I’m thrilled to participate in this tour alongside over 100 other creative bloggers. Learn more – and join us! – by clicking here.

The Declaration of You: The Book! from Pierre François Frédéric on Vimeo.

This week’s theme for the tour is enthusiasm.

Can I get a Woot-Woot!? Jessica and Michelle are pros at being enthusiastic about their work and their creative businesses. I know I could take some cues from them because obviously, their enthusiasm and talent has led them to much success.

So it got me thinking, am I enthusiastic? Quite often, yes. But am I outwardly enthusiastic? Does my enthusiasm for what I do radiate into the world? That, I’m not so sure about.

I’ll admit, I tend to be timid when it comes to sharing my love for what I create with the world. Sometimes I feel like my enthusiasm could be seen as weird, pushy, or could scare people away, so I don’t let it show. Do any of you feel the same way?

Here’s one example of what I mean.

In person, when someone tells me that they like my work, I tend to come up with something negative to play down their enthusiasm. Like, “Hey I love your painting style.” Me: “Oh, well, thanks. I’m not happy with such and such so I’m working to change that.” Now, not only does that diminish the compliment and darken the mood, but it’s not a very good sales technique and it’s not attracting the success I want to have. Why then, is this my first instinct? I’m not sure, but I do know I need to work on changing that reaction! I’m suspecting that some of you do too.

What a perfect time and place to start – here and now – stopping the self-limiting, negative responses and starting a new trend: responding with ENTHUSIASM! Let’s let it be contagious. We love what we do and what we create, so let’s proclaim it loudly and confidently instead of hiding behind a mask of “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not worthy.” Let’s start with a few simple steps, and turn our instincts sunny-side-up. I’m going to create a script as preparation for the next time someone gives me a compliment. That’ll take the guess work out of how to respond.

  • Step 1: Take a Deep Breath.
  • Step 2: Smile Big.
  • Step 3: Think of how much I Love to Create.
  • Step 4: Respond with a simple, “Thank you! Your compliment means so much to me! I love creating art (insert your own product/service), especially when I know others appreciate it.”
  • Step 5: (This is where I start to ramble on with the BUT’s and WELL’s and EXCEPT FOR’s). So, Kim, Stop talking!

It may sound cheesy, but I think having that simple script memorized could help, because the more I practice self-enthusiasm the more it will start to become second-nature. Baby Steps.

And here’s something we can all do for each other – spread the love. If we see someone’s work and it really impresses us, let’s show our enthusiasm for it! Taking the time to comment, send an e-mail, or say a kind word can really make someone’s day.

Free Printable Cards Enthusiasm Motivational Trendy Typography

Click To Download The Cards

One more thing! I made some fun little printables to remind you of how awesome you are! Stick them by your desk, or on your fridge, or somewhere you will see them for a little boost of enthusiasm. I’d love to know how you use them!

Now go rock on with your bad, enthusiastic self.