Clichés. They get a bad wrap. We turn to them as our lazy “go-to’s” when it’s time to hammer home our point. In the spirit of setting yourself up for success in the year to come, below are six twists on cliché’s—let’s call them “un-clichés”—to ponder as you work through your 2022 (“New Year’s Revolutions”) goals. Enjoy.
Un-Cliché #1:
YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.
BUT, OF COURSE, YOU DO. PRESENTATION MATTERS.
As you think through what success looks like for you, step into the shoes of another and look back at yourself. I call this body jumping. What do they see when you or your work product walk through their door? Are you showing up the way you want to show up? Notice I didn’t say, “Look like everyone else,” or “Wear a suit.” If differentiating yourself matters, then how will you separate from the rest?
Un-Cliché #2:
YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYONE.
MOST CAN’T PLEASE THEMSELVES.
Now, a secret. Something I learned on my “courage deconstruction” journey. Being courageous WILL make you happier. It never feels that way when there’s tension or angst. But, when you muster the courage to take on doubt, waiting for you on the other side is happiness. Let me remind you that the flight attendant suggests we put the oxygen mask on ourselves before putting it on another. Start with you. Get to happy. The rest should follow. Speaking of taking action…
Un-Cliché #3:
ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS.
INACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN ALL.
Inaction is an action. Read that line again. Even the smallest step towards achieving your goals gets you closer to where you want to go. Start now.
Un-Cliché #4:
THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.
THE TREE THAT GROWS TALLEST GETS THE SWEETEST LIGHT.
I like everything about being “the tallest tree.” Not only are you closest to the sunshine, but you also provide shade and cover for everything in your forest. I aspire to be a role model that other “trees” look up to. And, I know myself well enough—confident in what I stand tall for—where I’m not trying to hide in the shadows of others. It’s the exact type of leader I’d 1) want to work with, and 2) aspire to be.
Un-Cliché #5:
THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.
THERE’S NO TIME BUT THE PRESENT.
Why aren’t you doing that thing you know you should be doing? Perhaps you are working for a boss who doesn’t appreciate you? Or a company that doesn’t value culture? The clock is ticking. Make time for the people (and things) that matter. Spend less time on the rest.
Un-Cliché #6:
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY.
“SORRY” IS BETTER THAN SAFE.
Safe is unsafe. In fact, you’ll be sorry if you seldom take action on your ideas. I always say “courage is regret insurance.” I truly believe this. Does this mean you should bulldoze your coworkers? Absolutely not. It’s merely mirroring our number-one mantra at Courageous: Your future is safe with change.
