Making the Step Towards Success - Confidence

We often talk about success, as I did in yesterday's blog post. First you have to want it for yourself and you have to have confidence in yourself. It's easy to say it but building your confidence means overcoming personal hang-ups, bad history, gossip and negative friends. It means breaking bad habits as well.

I know what I want to achieve and I have to find a way to get it. I don't want a lot. I just want to make a difference in the public service that I work in and in my community. Therefore, I have to lead by example and I have to encourage others. Unlike many people, I did not have a life plan set out. I look for opportunities and I run with them. I won't say that I have made the best decisions overall, but I have been able to find positive in every thing - even in what could be perceived negative.

Finding confidence to take that step is not easy. Sometimes people see your potential and push you. I like to encourage people when I see that they have the ability. Why not? I've had positive people on my side and I am grateful for the opportunities granted to me. I hope that I may be a positive influence on the persons who come in contact with me. I hope that I can inspire confidence in them.

Ribbon

Success Mindset

To be successful, we have to shift our attitudes to a success mindset. We can not expect to do well while walking with petty behaviors, hang-ups and beefs. As I look at different places in the BVI and the service that is offered, I am proud and also ashamed. We definitely have a gap somewhere because too many act like they are entitled to work and therefore, they can do any old thing and it is okay. On the other hand, there are some people who give it their best by giving good service. As a consumer, that is what I want from every supplier or service provider. I don't have time or money to waste.

Therefore, what I expect is what I should give in my workplace. I have to serve my internal and external customers well. I enjoy that and I love knowing that I can accomplish something that is challenging.

I challenge any reader to evaluate themselves and what they expect from others - and what they need to give in return. Many of us need to change our mindset and be more productive. We also need to look for personal development, but this is another post by itself.

Do your best at all times.

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On to 2017 - these passions and loves

We are at the start of a new year. Therefore, there are new possibilities, new knowledge to be shared and learned, and new ideas to be born. I am hoping to achieve another academic qualification soon, and looking forward to getting back into my writing.

I have few passions and lots of loves. I am passionate about my children's academic progress. I have been blessed to achieve higher education and I would like to enable them to do the same. Professionally, I would like to continue to learn from the senior team that I work with because they have lots of knowledge. I am continuously looking for opportunities for growth and in 2015/2016, I was able to blossom in an area that I never imagined that I would be able to.

In terms of my writing, I want to grow my repertoire and get back into writing for a publication. I love music and while I am not that much of a singer, I want to enjoy music and dance to my heart's content.

I was able to visit one of our most popular national parks this week, and I want to do more visits and adventures. I have no excuse not to enjoy the simple things.

I encourage you to enjoy your passions and your loves - delve into your soul, build your confidence and do what you love.

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How to Prepare a Vote of Thanks and Deliver with Confidence

Being asked to deliver the vote of thanks at any event can be daunting. People are asked to deliver votes of thanks after ceremonies, services and special events. However, as with any speech,

preparation and practice are important. Organizing the thought process, writing with the audience in mind and rehearsing before the event are helpful tools that will make delivering a vote of thanks much easier. 

Writing the Vote of Thanks

It is important to consider the type event that is being held. The vote of thanks should coincide with the activity being held and must express gratitude to the different stakeholders involved. As the vote of thanks is usually one of the last items on an event program, the vote of thanks should not be too long but should be creative.

• Be aware of the audience: A key rule in public speaking is knowing the audience. Therefore, be mindful of ages, religious views and other factors that could affect content. For example, in the Virgin Islands, which is predominantly Christian, speakers usually begin by thanking God and this practice is accepted and actually expected by the community.
• Use your thesaurus: There is no need to try to impress the listeners with big words. Use the dictionary and thesaurus for synonyms that still provide for an eloquent presentation and are easy to understand.
• Make a list: Have the coordinator of the event provide a list of the persons who contributed to the success of event. As it is impossible to thank everyone who assists with an event, be sure to add thanks to 'anyone who may have been inadvertently omitted'.
• Add a scripture, quote or a poem: A relevant scripture, quote or a poem can add flair to the vote of thanks. Adding these pieces shows that time was spent preparing the speech. Search on the internet for quotes or poems that coincide with the event.
• Be creative: The writer should employ as many creative elements to make the speech interesting. For example, saying 'Thank you to Mary and John who donated the passion fruit juice' is flat. A better option is 'Our palettes today have been quenched by the hard work by Mary and John who made that refreshing passion fruit juice'. A joke of good taste can also be added.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks

Taking the time to prepare a well-written vote of thanks makes for an easier delivery of the speech. Be sure to practice the vote of thanks so that the delivery is smooth and flowing. Rehearse in front of the mirror or in front of family members to gain confidence. Try to vary pitch and tone so that the speech sounds interesting and engages the listeners. According to Carol Rzadkiewicz, she encourages speakers to "vary the rate and pace by speaking faster, for example, to convey excitement (or) happiness". 

There is no need to be fearful when asked to prepare a vote of thanks. Add creativity with a scripture, joke, poem or quote to enhance the speech. Be sure to make a list of the persons to be thanked and be aware of the audience. Practice the vote of thanks before the event to ensure that the delivery will capture the audience's attention.

POEM: Black Diamond Generation

Black Diamond Generation

Black Diamond Generation - proud to be

I don't allow just any old thing to stop me

I've got resilience, charm and diplomacy

yet I know when to say the blame should be on me

But I try to look past that kind of game

because I never want my behavior to be crappy or lame

and don't get it twisted I'm not looking for fame

but I have to be proud of my ancestor's name

They have left a great legacy for us to follow

and I surely don't see it to be like a pill to swallow

but instead an opportunity to set a positive trend

and link with a great group of family and friends

who have like minds and want to achieve greatness

and who see beyond the struggles and slackness

cause anyone who wants to make positive change

has to know that there's always up and downs in this life game

© Linette Rabsatt 2016

POEM: Family

The world has infinite treasures

many that can never be measured
but the true value
is in our loved ones
who are our support system
the ones who nurture us
teach us about nature
help us to mature
so that we know
when we need to give more
and when to store up
for a hard time
family helps us to grow
and teaches us most of what we'll
ever know
our loved ones help to shape
us into being the phenomenal
beings that God means for us to be
 - and sometimes we may not see
the good in what they do
but all adults know that it is true
that the elders give good advice
because rearing children
is not only about being nice
it take guts, patience and perseverance
to rear children in the times
we are living in
so be grateful for the loved ones
who have passed on and who are here
because without them
we would have no identity
so cherish your family
and do your best to live in unity

Chicken with 1 leg by Crafts Alive