My Favourite Acronym (And How I Use It Every Day)
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…”
Using the word “favourite” just got me thinking about one of my favourite songs, which happens to be about favourite things. The Sound of Music is a classic movie in my world, and worthy of being included in a post about any sort of favourite, I think.
But I digress.
This week, as you likely guessed from the not-so-cryptic title, I really want to share one of my favourite acronyms with you. In this day and age of digital correspondence most of us have a litany of acronyms we use, whether we are conscious of it or not.
OMG (Oh My Goodness)
LOL (Laughing Out Loud)
ROFL (Rolling On the Floor Laughing)
WTH (What The Heck)
BRB (Be Right Back … or Bathroom Break as my Dad used to say)
The list truly can go on for a bit.
The acronym that really serves me well, however, isn’t one that applies to texting or other digital messages. At least not directly. Instead, it’s one that I use to help ground me and guide me in my conversations with others.
I know you want to know what it is. So here you go: WAIT.
That’s the acronym. W.A.I.T. And it stands for Why Am I Talking.
I first learned about the value of W.A.I.T. during my training with the Co-Active Training Institute. As a coach, it has helped me numerous times when I’ve wanted to share something with a client, ask a question, or offer a perspective. Having this acronym as a structure helps me to check myself, before I speak, to make sure that what I am about to say is for the sake of my client and in their service, not just because I have a “wise thought” to share.
Similarly, these days, I find myself applying this acronym more often than not just in everyday conversation.
With my family.
With my friends.
With colleagues.
With strangers.
With students.
Every time I allow myself to WAIT before I speak (I do love an acronym that actually is a meaningful word in and of itself), I am able to get clear on my intention. It often only takes 2 seconds for the clarity to emerge.
Am I talking to vent?
Am I talking to share a perspective?
Am I talking to dispense advice?
Do I have a similar experience that I think will help?
Am I just wanting to hear the sound of my own voice?
Am I trying to connect?
Why. Am. I. Talking?
Once I’m clear, I can actually speak with greater clarity and purpose. Every time I use this acronym, my conversations are more meaningful. Because anything grounded in clear intention is always more meaningful.
So, I invite you to play with this acronym this week. I know you’re busy. I know you have lots of interactions in which to engage. What I’m suggesting is that you allow yourself to engage meaningfully. Let go of talking without knowing why. Talk with intention. Let yourself WAIT.