What three words best describe you?
Summing yourself up succinctly is no easy feat. Trying to identify yourself with your own words can be difficult at first, but being able to master this challenge can also be a really useful tool in life.
Our lives are never stagnant. Our taste in clothes, food and entertainment evolve continually, and so too can our personality. As someone who has experienced significant changes over recent years, I believe the ability to re-assess myself has been imperative to my development.
With that in mind, try this simple exercise to see what three positive words could do for you.
Word #1 – A word to describe you as a person
Write down the word that comes into your head first, but don’t be afraid to write a list. This is not a word about how you’re currently feeling, the idea is about coming up with words that best describe you – quirky, energetic, trustworthy, loyal… Which one resonates the most?
Word #2 – A word to describe you at work
Are you introverted, engaging, hardworking, analytical, technical, creative, authentic, entrepreneurial? Which of these qualities are you most proud of? How would your leaders describe you?
Word #3 – A word to describe why people like to be around you
If you asked your family and friends to describe you, what would they say? (Disclaimer: it’s not necessary to ask them for the purpose of this exercise; you may need a thick skin if you do!) Think about times when someone has expressed gratitude or offered you a compliment – that’s the word.
Now that you have your three words, you have the ability to sell yourself. They’re the basis of your personal branding, your motto or your mantra. Reflect on them when you’re standing in line, waiting for a train, or even heading to an interview. While the concept of an ‘elevator pitch’ can sound clichéd, it’s great to have a few good words to say about yourself whenever the opportunity presents itself.
As you put this into practice, you will discover the power of positive language. It may evolve into an internal dialogue that leads to coaching yourself with positive self-talk. It may even be a conscious effort to replace any negativity you encounter with the words you have chosen; the more you focus on those positive words, the less you will worry about what other people think.
This simple exercise has more power than you will likely give it credit for. I challenge you to believe in your words and I’d love to hear about the positive impact they make on your attitude to life, to yourself and others.
Clare has extensive experience in Education including teaching, business partnering, learning and development, and recruitment. Clare’s own academic background, including a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Management, and Training and Assessment certification gives her a sound understanding of the needs required across various sectors in the Education market. With a commitment to deliver high quality service to clients and candidates, Clare’s passion is about building long term authentic relationships with stakeholders in schools, TAFEs, universities and other education providers.
