Conversations with Myself: Navigating Change and Growth

Driven by technology, evolving consumer expectations, and new communication strategies, we're in for a year full of exciting changes.
With this spirit of change and opportunity, I extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to everyone attending the 19th PRCI Global Conclave. Let’s embrace the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead together!
These are the questions that I would like to ask myself.

• How well do I connect with others daily?
  Dr. Mark Goulston said, "People want to feel felt." That goes for me, too. I am learning to recognize the type of conversations people want to have. I match them and then bridge them to my topic when appropriate.
  For many who seem dissatisfied with their work lives, learning to slow down and striving to connect with coworkers and colleagues can improve their performance and daily satisfaction.
• What could your biggest goal change your career or life if you succeed?
  I'm not working on one big goal. I have many goals. Our workplace goals are primarily transactional or compliance-driven. The outdated S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely) template has given way to the "S. L.I.M.M. goal, which is specific, learning-focused, impactful, meaningful, and measurable. These are considered "game-changers for growth."
• How am I involved in Learning?
  I am involved in leveling up. I work for seven hours a day for impactful Learning, which is diverse. I have noticed that when I learn and master a situation, something changes in the external environment that challenges what I know and how I've approached things.
  So again, I begin relearning and traversing unexplored roads to keep abreast. This challenge is personal to me and essential for my work.
• How do I keep learning? How do I expose myself to new ideas and new approaches?
  I constantly remind myself that I tend to move backward at the speed of change without learning. The best options would be to gain a lot of insight, break out of my thinking patterns, and never interpret information to fit my approach.
• Am I working towards changing my approach to rethinking and reframing?
  As a Master NLP Practitioner, I understand that my assumptions from yesterday are the seeds of tomorrow's obsolescence. I realize that many times, when I become a carbon copy of the world's views, I have prescribed disaster for myself.
• What's the solution?
  I am reframing and refreshing myself, my career, spoken words, perceptions, and my approach to professional opportunities. I am ready to recognize and redesign the hidden patterns directing my life.
  Frequent change often weighs me down. It demands considerable internal and external effort, draining my energy and amplifying my fears. I sometimes lose my temper and say, “Change, you’re an intruder—an enemy disrupting my peace and routine. I resent you.”
  However, by investing extra effort and applying reframing skills, I see change as an opportunity. Now, I find myself in a unique and personal space of learning and growth.
• I ask myself, Hi Geetha, how are you doing?
  It's a favorite question and an auto-check. Although it may be awkward, I cannot deceive myself with a dishonest answer. Over time, an honest and transparent answer from me will become a comfortable question with an honest answer. Ultimately, I prioritize staying ahead of emerging trends and cultivating greater focus in life. I’ve begun to view my journey as an adventure into uncharted territory—actively exploring, discovering, and consciously quieting my Reptilian Brain along the way.
• About the Author
  Mrs Geetha Shankar is a Life Skills Coach, Learning and Development professional, TEDx Speaker, and Author. She is the founder of the Center for Communication Excellence. Geetha has over 25 years of extensive experience in Education, training and development, Public Relations, Communications, and Employee Relations. She is the National President of PRCI.