A Cat and A Spool of Yawn

The other day I was watching our cat play with a spool of yawn. (If you are thinking I have far too much time on my hands, then you are right - at least I did at that moment.) Nevertheless, it was fascinating to watch the cat bat around the spool with great zeal and even passion. To the cat, I could not help but think what it was doing then was the highlight of its day and perhaps even week. Also, it got me to wondering as to how often I or any of us for that matter approach something - anything - with the enthusiasm being displayed by the cat as it enjoyed its new toy. For myself, I confess that it has been a while.

Enthusiasm is a key component when it comes to the field of professional communication. To cite one reason, helping a client compose and then distribute a message goes beyond carrying out that straightforward duty. It entails helping a person impart their thoughts and vision to others. This act of opening up to others is no small thing as it exposes that person to being judged, criticized or even dismissed. Yet this is the risk they are taking. More to the point, they are putting themselves in the professional communicator's hands that their message will generate positive results rather than be scorned.

It is one thing to approach an assignment with a can-do sense of determination and diligence. Most of us do that on weekends when tackling our to-do list of chores. However, being enthusiastic about that challenge adds a higher level of attitude that can and does help make the job more enjoyable. Further, when one enjoys something, they are more energetic, creative and committed to the success of their effort. This, of course, benefits the client greatly. Enthusiasm is the difference between approaching something as "just another job" to being more of a labor of love. The more professional communicators can approach their assignments with the level of energy of a cat playing with a spool of yarn, the more it helps them as well as those they represent.