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.
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!
Awesome Kimberly ~ love these cards. I feel so enthused right now! 🙂
My recent post Sew Blissful Mama Ecourse
Thanks so much Kathy! Woohoo! =D
LOVE this, Kim! Especially the part about just saying Thank You and not making excuses for why you don't deserve the compliment, etc. I totally do that. Thank you for the reminder to stop limiting myself and quieting that pesky negative voice!! And THANK YOU so much for being a part of our tour on Day 1, woooo! 🙂 xoxo
Yay! Thanks Jessica! Well, it's slightly comforting to me that even someone as amazing as you makes self-defeating comments sometimes, even though we all need to stop that! 😛 I'm so happy to be a part of your exciting book tour!!! Can't wait for the book to come!! xoxo
I love your printables. It's a great idea and I also agree taking the time to comment/like/send an email takes no time at all and DOES make someone's day. We all need to do it more often!
Thanks Tina!! Community support and love is so important to us artists…we need to do it for each other. Thanks for walking the talk and commenting here! Made me very happy! =D
Great post, Kim. And thanks for the printables. I just downloaded and printed them. I'll come back with a pic (or pics) of how I used them once I figure that out. 🙂
I do the same thing when I receive a compliment. I downplay it and I even wonder if they are just saying it to be nice . . . I need to stop that and just believe that if they don't like something I've created they just wouldn't say anything.
My recent post Magic * Making Class – I WON the FREE spot!!!
Thank you, Kim! I would love to see how you end up using them…that would totally make my day 🙂 I figured I wasn't alone in the compliment downplaying…seems like many artists do this. Hopefully we can recognize it and change our ways to ENTHUSIASM! {So excited for you that you won a spot in the Magic Making class! That's going to a great opportunity to bring on the attitude of enthusiasm, right?)
There really is something contagious about someone talking so enthusiastically and passionately about something they love. Let's OWN IT!
Heck yeah, Kerry! Love that…Let's Own It! (Reminds me of Oprah…who I happen to love).
I happen to LOVE your enthusiasm Kim! Can't wait to connect with you tomorrow & hey, thanks for the printable *must have* I am brilliant and badass hanging in my studio.
My recent post No Sew Simple Skirt Tutorial
Thanks Jenelle and same to you!! Yes, you are brilliant and badass! hehe. Awesome that you have it hanging up. That makes me so happy! Talk to you soon! =D
Love the printables! Thanks for those! I'm participating in the tour, too. Isn't it such an awesome idea…to build a community like this. Love it.
My recent post I'm painting now. Because why not? | The Blog Dare Day 2
Hi Gail! Yay! I will have to stop over at your blog and check it out. It's been so much fun so far. Can't wait for more!
Thanks for the reminder Kimberly! Yes I need to practice this! I am very good at honestly, enthusiastically, praising the work of others. And I am sooo bad at accepting a compliment gracefully. Love the printables!
My recent post Lost Leapers
Hi Sheila – You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by! So many of us fall into the same trap as you. Why do we do that? Humility? Nerves? I don't know, but let's start giving ourselves the chance to enjoy a compliment 🙂 Glad you like the printables!
Kim this is a great reminder for all of us! I am awful at taking compliments without plying it all down and start with the if's, but's and so on!!
Yes! Let's shine like nobody's business!! <– Love that! ;D
My recent post New Designs + A Bit On Embracing Change…
Thanks Citlalli! So, I'm not alone 😛 So many of us seem to do that! Let's get our shine on!!
Hi Kimberly- I love your 5 point "script". I think ALL of us need it.
You left a kind comment on my blog, and I thank you.
For some reason that I am too "technologically deficient" to understand,
the comments don't show up publicly on my page, nor am I able to respond
on my blog. soooo much learning needed….which I try to do in between
art-making sessions. Lovin' the Tour!
Hi JoAnne! I'm so happy to hear that the script made sense to you too 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to say hi and respond to your blog. You'll get there…just keep at it!
Popped by via the main TDOY site, and love your Enthusiastic Response, especially Step 2. Thank you!~
Thanks Julia! 🙂