Communication Skills

My Communication Skills Improving my communication skills has been a work in progress starting back in the early years of my life. I have always been my own worse critic. Usually beating myself down through interpersonal communication. Now as an adult I have made great improvements but still have trouble dealing with perception and self-image. Not being raised in an environment of positive reinforcement and poor communication in the workplace I have made it a point to change that trait in my own family and professional environment. When reading the opening lecture I cringed at the thought of dealing with communication. Sort of that belly ache feeling you get when you had to do an oral presentation in front of the class in elementary school. I understand have a number of strong qualities but self-image and my perception are still traits I long to improve. My self-image is so low that I have a tremendous amount of self-pity or self-hatred. I do however want to find that happy median where I'm comfortable in my own skin. It's odd how my feelings about myself change from day to day. I engage quite often in interpersonal conversation, question my motives and encouraging myself to move forward. My success in business attributes to my abilities but I still put an unbelievable amount of stress on myself to be the best and never seem comfortable to relax and enjoy what I have and where I am at in life. Unfortunately I put a great deal of value on what people think of me, what I look like, and how I come across to others. My goals for improving self-image are first to make the steps to be the person I want to be. Whether it is through exercise or education myself to build up my intellectual strength. Making a self-image inventory, noting those things that I like about myself. The make a list of the negative traits that I want to improve. Changing my focus from negative to positive should help me avoid being depressed. The best thing I can do I recognize my shortcomings but don't dwell on them. A key characteristic in dire need of improvement would be my perception. I was raised in an environment where stereotypes and first impressions were the norm. Expecting certain actions from people based on what I've heard or seen in the past, not being empathetic in my views. In circumstances like UOP, if a student does not interact or participate at the same level as myself, they would be interpreted as being a procrastinator. I certainly have issues with trust, usually taking a cautious approach to the team atmosphere in fear of not meeting the courses expectations. In the last few classes I have posted questions and asked for feedback on peoples expectations in hopes that I can be more understanding of everyone's circumstances. Although I do have some self-image issues, I do not have any issues with trying to communicate. I constantly provide feedback in both my personal and work relationships. Putting a strong emphasis on the relationships I develop and utilize my sense of humor to keep the lines of communication open, trying to give an impression of open mindedness.
I feel I read my audience extremely well and can speak to groups extremely well. I also convey a strong confidence in my ability to perform my job at a high level. Self-motivation is one of the traits that I put at the very top of any list of positive attributes. Being healthy is something that I put allot of emphasis on sense I was young. Sports and training soon lead to a focus on nutritional and now mental well-being. I understand the effects of stress and negativity and have been making strong efforts to both separate myself from the negative elements. Some life changes and a wonderful life partner have made this goal and lifestyle well worth the time investment.