Control the Airwaves

Throughout history a pattern emerges when a group of radicals attempt to seize power. Almost without fail, they quickly head for the radio and TV stations. Before the Internet, these stations were necessary in order to reach large portions of population. The frequencies are publicly accessible , with the the vast majority of the population equipped to receive these signals.

Those who control the airwaves wield great power.
This concept is useful when thinking about your own image. What messages are you broadcasting? More importantly, you should strategically ask yourself what messages do you intend to transmit and how will your audience will receive them? You need to seize control of your broadcasts if you want people to follow you.

Are you part of the problem or solution:
If you are a black hole of favors, absorbing everything and returning nothing, then that becomes the message you broadcast. People will be repelled by the notion you have nothing to offer, and we all know that one person who acts like a rain cloud, looking to drop a bummer statement on any conversation – finding fault with anything.
On the other hand, it takes creativity to find positive attributes all the time. If you are a seeker of silver linings then you will broadcast the message of “problem-solver” many can appreciate. The message of “I am grateful” often accompanies the “problem-solver” message; People who are regularly positive are usually grateful for the great things in their life. Generous people avoid negative people, but they will flock to the person who is broadcasting, “I know where to find the best things in life, I am grateful for what I have, and I am willing to help others.” Therefore, in order to get the right people listening to you, trusting you, favoring you, and seeking your assistance, you need to seize control of your broadcasts and ensure your message is received.
Getting your message out is very important, but be aware that you are tuned into these same broadcasts. Each of us has a message we send to ourselves, and that is a far more important message to control. You need to ensure that your “self-broadcast” is complementary to your mission.

Run a mile in my shoes:
To illustrate, I’ll ask you to run a mile in my shoes.

I am a runner, and I often find myself out for a run with surplus pain and an energy deficit. When this occurs, my “self-broadcast” may point out that I am too short, too slow, too fat, or too old to keep running like this. Other times, the broadcast may be soothing, assuring me that it is okay for me to quit. Even if you are not a runner, I am sure you have reached points in your life where you were ambushed by thoughts of inadequacy, mediocrity, or laziness.
Rise up! Seize control of the airwaves!

Broadcast a message of strength, and remind yourself why you have chosen to endure this hardship. Remind yourself of the rewards to come! When running, I like to remind myself that I am a U.S. Marine, a great father, and a strong runner. I may then visualize a time when running was effortless and enjoyable. When I begin to broadcast these messages, something magical happens. I lift my head higher; I stretch my stride a little further. Suddenly, the pain subsides and my second wind arrives.

We are live in 3 – 2 – 1:
Like so many people today, I am currently on the hunt for a new career opportunity. Now, more than ever, I am ensuring that I have control of the airwaves. I am broadcasting positive messages of my career skills and accomplishments. I visualize career highlights, and keep looping on my proudest moments.
Maybe the hiring managers cannot hear the affirmations or see the visualizations in my head, but they can see the results. The affirmations and visualizations enable me to hold my head higher and speak with authority. I transmit confidence when discussing my past achievements and future goals. The message I am transmitting says that I am a problem solver, a force of positive energy and creativity, I am grateful for what I am provided, and I am here to help others.
What is the message that you need to broadcast? What is the message you need to communicate to yourself? Can you put together a mental video of your accomplishments and times of peaceful joy? Seize control of your airwaves! Put your message out there, and spark the revolution that will bring your dreams to life!

Image courtesy of gdbg12

Larry Slobodzian is a customer-centric sales engineer with a passion for creative technology solutions. From integrated networks to content management, Larry has helped business leaders reduce their operating and capital expenditures, increase their efficiencies, and focus on their core competencies. He is a firm believer in the concepts of “pay it forward” and Corporate Social Responsibility. Connect with Larry on LinkedIn.