Sound Bites?

Often we can have a tendency to use sound bites in a motivational context. This also applies during our crisis when we are trying to encourage someone to get through the stress and anxiety being caused. “You can get through this”. “Stay hopeful”. “Deal with it”.

I’m not a big fan of using sound bites (or even quotes) UNLESS they are backed up with elaboration on specific behaviors. My opinion, backed up by confirmation with others of all ages when we peel apart this topic, is that sound bites provide a spark, but don’t keep the fire burning. Actual teaching and training beyond the sound bite will make a difference. Modeling the behavior will as well.

If you want to use your favorite sound bite or motivational phrase, do others a favor and back it up with explaining how to actually “execute it” and get sustainable results from that sound bite. Articulate the behaviors needed to achieve it. Find opportunities to reinforce it through repetition. There is rarely a once and done with anything, here expression of sound bites.