The Art and Science of Communication: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace

Chapter 1. Intrapersonal Communication

You Take You Wherever You Go

—P.S. Perkins

Give me a chance, Mr. Markham. I know I can lead the team. Iran this office for five years! Can't you see through Jim? What's wrong with you? It's my turn. You can't give it to him! It's my promotion. Mine! Mine!"

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Now you're awake and it was just a bad dream. Or was it? You're about to start your day and you had a fretful night. You're about to place your feet solidly back into the world. But wait. Before you do, are you sure you're awake? Yes, I know your eyes are open and you feel your heart beating. You're breathing, and you can probably feel the blood coursing through your veins if you're quiet enough. But are you awake? What about that dream? What a way to start the very day you're looking forward to your promotion. Let me give you a suggestion for getting back on the right track: Eat first, and then get out of bed. Yes, you read me right: eat first. We all understand breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We understand that we are what we eat. Many people are dedicated to starting their workday with the right kind of physical fuel to take them where they want to go. But what about their mental fuel? In the waking hours, just before you begin your workday, what kind of mental fuel do you feed yourself? It matters because this nourishment prepares you to handle the mental challenges of your day—personally, socially, and professionally.

"You are what you think" is the awareness ...