Daily thought: So often we use more words than necessary. Either in conversation or emails, personally or professionally, we flavor our communications with a lot of filler words.
Point to ponder: Do you catch yourself doing this? Or do you not even realize that you do? Next time you write an email or have a conversation, make a mental note. Ask yourself if everything you are about to write, or say, needs to be said? For example, “I was going to send that to you yesterday, but the day got away from me and I was really busy.” Why not, “Thank you for reaching back out. Your information is attached.”
Soulful reflection: We find the need to explain ourselves in excess at times, and more often than not. We feel that we need to explain why we have to say no. We feel that we need to write a novel as to why we need to cancel or postpone plans.
I’ve paid attention to that this year, especially when it comes to work communications. Before I write, or sometimes after when I re-read it and reflect for a moment, I put thought into is it pertinent? Is it necessary? Is it with good intention?
Personally, when I have needed to cancel or reschedule something, I’ve toned down my details. Do they really need to have a play by play of why I am unable to go? Do I need to overexplain and if I feel that I do, why? Do I feel guilty for needing to take care of something else or because I just can’t make it due to ill health or the such? I’ve learned that to say, “Unfortunately, I need to postpone this evening. Something has come up and I will be in touch soon.”, can be enough.
It’s not easy. I think it’s human nature, for most, to want to explain and give reasons, or make excuses.
I struggle with this when telling a story. Maybe it’s the writer in me, but I’m always setting the stage – the who, what, when, where, how and why. By them time I get to the point, I’ve forgotten what in the heck I was even talking about. I’m working on it, but it’s not easy.
Even as I review this – way too many words! Here’s to putting more thought into what we say, and what we don’t say.
