Written by: Dr. Samone Zarabi, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Fresh off a 7-mile jaunt across the scenic expanse of Long Island, NY, I found myself teetering on the precipice of introspection. The usual Sunday quandary 'To run, or not to run?' had waged a mental war against the siren call of a warm bed and some invigorating yoga. I had rallied my rebellious legs into action, commencing what felt like an endless exercise in persistence, every half-minute tempting me to wave the white flag.
“To be a good leader, you have to first become a good person. That takes discipline, self-awareness, and courage." – John Quincy Adams.
The day had dawned with an unusual tinge of melancholy. A lingering sense of missing out on a recent retreat seemed to cast long shadows. But armed with an audiobook for company, I persisted, running against the wind of my own doubts.
Deep into the cradle of my book's narration, I was startled by approaching footfalls. I turned to find my neighbor and friend, James, hot on my trail. Recognition led to a camaraderie-filled high five, and we fell into step together. Two miles in and our lively banter was fueled by tales of recent trips, snippets of news, and slices of life. Unexpectedly, I found my gloomy run transform into a breezy jog, my words flowing freely, fatigue forgotten, feet pulsating with newfound vigor. A little miracle, indeed!
Conversations with James unfolded like a live podcast, the narrative rich with recent life updates. We hadn't crossed paths in over a year, so there was plenty to share. However, one particular revelation set my thoughts aflutter. James detailed his transformational journey of losing over 30 pounds through a disciplined diet and running.
"You know, Samone," he confided, "your morning runs were my inspiration. Every day, I'd pass by you en route to work. Your dedication stirred a mix of admiration and jealousy within me. Then one day, I thought: 'If she can do it, I can too.'"
Imagine that! My daily run, a personal routine, had sparked a life-changing transformation in someone else. Today, James, now a runner is a running enthusiast who craves his daily endorphin kick, all thanks to a simple act of role modeling.
This experience led to a moment of realization: Our actions are always on display, and they often speak louder than words.
So, here are some thought-provoking 'Ifs' to consider:
If junk food is your comfort food, how can you advocate for healthy eating with credibility?
If you're a cardiologist who smokes, how can you credibly counsel your patients to quit smoking?
If you are an environmental activist, yet frequently take unnecessary private jet trips, how credible is your advocacy for climate change?
If you're a financial advisor with personal debt due to reckless spending, how can you credibly guide others towards financial wellness?
If you are a wellness coach who is perpetually overwhelmed and lost in stress, can you credibly inspire your clients towards a focused mindset and healthful lifestyle?
If you're a teacher who doesn't value continuous learning, how can you credibly instill a love for learning in your students?
Our actions echo our principles and are always on display. Our credibility is the silent megaphone amplifying what we truly stand for.
Now, let's take a step back and consider how you can cultivate credibility, either as an individual or as a brand:
Enhance Your Expertise: Your knowledge is your power. Stay current with your field's developments—your understanding can significantly enhance your credibility.
Showcase Your Achievements: Let your track record speak for itself. Share your successes as proof of your capabilities, not as a bragging right.
Foster Transparency: Openness in communication and admitting mistakes are essential for building trust.
Communicate Clearly and Effectively: Be consistent, concise, and avoid jargon. Regular, open communication shows that you're trustworthy and approachable.
Demonstrate Consistency: Your words are only as good as your actions. Be reliable—do what you say you will.
Show Empathy and Understanding: Genuine concern and thoughtful responses demonstrate you're not only interested in business, but also care about creating human connections.
Engage with Your Audience: Regular interaction fosters trust and respect. Build a community around your brand or persona—involve them in discussions and be responsive to their feedback.
Stay True to Your Values: Resist the urge to please everyone. Stick to your values and the core reason why you're doing what you're doing. You may lose a few followers in the short run, but in the long term, authenticity wins the hearts and minds of people.
In the words of Stephen Covey, which aligns perfectly with our topic of credibility: "Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships." Your everyday actions can inspire others, quietly and effectively. Embrace the opportunity to discard harmful habits, instigate change, and inspire others through your self-improvement journey. Credibility is not merely claimed but earned over time through consistent actions—lead by example and let your actions resonate.
Credibility begins with aligning actions with words. It's about being consistent, trustworthy, and maintaining authenticity in all facets of life. It is about embodying the principles you stand for, thereby becoming a living testament of your beliefs.
Dr. Samone Zarabi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Samone Zarabi, a stage four cancer survivor turned health and wellness coach, has dedicated her life to empowering others to thrive rather than just survive. After spending years trapped in a cycle of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, she embarked on a transformative journey to redefine success and reclaim her voice. As the founder of Enorasis Coaching Services, Samone now helps others facing similar challenges to live their authentic dreams through a unique blueprint that fuses scientifically-proven techniques, ancient wisdom, and her own inventive solutions. Above all, she is committed to showing up for her clients and making a meaningful difference in their lives.
