Do You Show Appreciation?

When you write a Blog, or post Articles on LinkedIn, you write with the intention of spreading your message to the world, in hope it will land with the right audience and ignite thought, resolve, change, action, and ultimately, a Promise.

As we move into 2021, I want to say a special thank you to so many that have left comments on my blog and these LinkedIn Articles, sent private texts or messages on social media, and the many emails I receive that no one will ever see.

It moves me to think that these words, often written after something extremely frustrating happens in life or business, which then becomes a new way for me to express gratitude and live my Promise by writing this Blog, might be used by those that are Leaders, who have influence to change the world.

Today's post is dedicated to those who express appreciation - whether in a comment to a blog post, a kind testimonial sent along, a review on Amazon, showing up to attend the virtual or live show, a positive word to encourage work carefully created for an audience.

I have spent 2020 without an audience I can hear applauding or see smiling and laughing. Virtual events limit that connection in many ways - and that is ok.

It has brought a new perspective to my way of presenting and speaking, and has strengthened my resolve to create lasting change to an audience long after the event is over. Thus the creation of The Promise Institute, which rolls out in 2021.

It has also helped me to show more appreciation to those who may not be as used to it as I once was.

I hope you've been a recipient of my new efforts of appreciation - whether one of the many educational, military, healthcare, or other groups who received a donated virtual or live presentation in 2020, as we did 40 for free, 25 for 95% off, 30 for 50-75% off, out of our 100 events in 2020.

Grateful for every event, and especially those who paid enough for me to take the time to do so much charity work for so many in need, who came asking for laughs and a lift during the pandemic.

This final post of the year is specifically dedicated to a TEACHER in TEXAS: Rita Clawson. 

In October of 2020 I was ready to call it a day with this blog. Just didn't seem to be hitting the mark, very little response, I was growing quite frustrated - to be extra open with you.

The pandemic saw much struggle for all of us, and yours truly was in a space where writing this blog was becoming a chore rather than a joy, a weekly trial instead of a trail I wanted to remain on...

And then I got what I'm about to share with you.

The email screenshot below was the best news I received all year from the blog, and her email has sat on my laptop desktop for 2.5 months in anticipation of sharing this with you.

Teachers have been through it this year. So many have. My heart goes out to everyone keeping their Promise to be great in an on-again, off-again world of virtual/in-person/what's next kind of life...

To think my attempts at writing a blog, and being consistent, even when I don't feel like writing, has influenced a leadership class of youth in another state is what this is all about to me.

To Rita - Thank You for sharing my words!  And Thank You for letting me know they make a difference!  Here's a link to the post she's referring to.

To The Promise Blog Audience - Thank You for all you do in keeping your Promise. 

To You - I feel you are my friend, and that's how I write these blogs. So, Thank You for sticking with me!

I have often felt it's time to hang up The Blog and move into other endeavors (more video, a podcast, online courses, more books) but it is an email as simple and yet powerful as this that keeps a Blog going.

What keeps you going?

In 2021 I Promise that if you'll be consistent, vulnerable in your authenticity, and simply share your promise to the world, it will make a difference in far-reaching ways you may never even know about .... and perhaps, once in a while, you'll get a message like this.

My best to you in 2021. May the year of 2020 be a tipping point of making and keeping the greatest promises we ever will moving forward!

~ jason hewlett 

Promise Institute Founder * Virtual Keynote Speaker * Speaker Hall of Fame

The Promise To The One

jasonhewlett.com