#117: Are You Serious?
There is lots of good things to say about the Dude. Being serious isn’t one of them.
I don’t consider myself a serious guy either. And yet, there are two aspects to seriousness as far as I can tell.
One is related to humor. Taking yourself too seriously carries the risk of making a fool of yourself. Being able to laugh about yourself can be so liberating. It also allows you to be vulnerable instead of defending your position and reputation heroically. Being human naturally comes with flaws and weaknesses. What is the point of wearing that mask of seriousness all the time then?
It makes my family laugh when I say this, but I just can’t help it. I hate having to praise myself, but I am pretty good in not taking myself too seriously all the time. However, I am equally critical (if not more) of myself when I say that I struggle with the other aspect of being serious.
Am I serious enough about what I do and how I do it in order to be taken seriously by others? Others could be my associates, competitors or clients. Why should they take me seriously if I am not taking myself seriously? I have heard and also said this a few times already. So I am wondering when I will finally say “enough is enough! It might have been fun up to here, but from now onwards it will be different”.
What does that really mean? Are there any real consequences for me and possibly others?
I love to work with people. Every time I notice a difference between “before” and “after” as a result of a mutual journey, I feel deeply touched. I also invest a lot of myself into those experiences. But how serious am I about all of that? I am not a certified coach. Does that by design disqualify me for what I am trying to achieve for others and myself? Some will take the position that it certainly does. Others would argue that they didn’t care about my formal qualifications AS LONG AS I was fully invested into what I did and the results spoke for themselves. One of the possible translations of the expression “fully invested” unsurprisingly is “serious”, which brings us back to the original question.
How serious am I?
I am not. But I need to be. I also want to be. Partially. Not fully, though.
I feel perfectly comfortable not taking myself too seriously when challenged by others. No point in trying to defend, explain or justify myself for the sole reason to be “right”.
On the other hand, I want to be taken seriously in how I design and deliver my development workshops. I put in all of my heart and soul. I am curious in others and willing to share my own experience. I don’t just consider myself a “bullshitier”, but it really starts with me. If I don’t believe in myself wholeheartedly, why should anybody else?
I design my workshops like a professional. I test run them like a professional. I promote them like a professional. I deliver them like a professional. I care about my clients like a professional.
I present and price myself like a professional.
I am a professional.
Seriously!
