Dr. Aleta V. Ashford, MBA, DBA is an author, motivational speaker, and business professor who has worked to help dozens of small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the local area for more than ten years. To submit a question or to contact Dr. A visit www.aletavashford.com
By Dr. Aleta V. Ashford
A few years ago, I started on my path to becoming a motivational speaker. There I was equipped with a new website, a few colorful flyers, an engaging Facebook page, and crisp business cards that felt like tangible manifestations of my dreams. However, as days turned into weeks without speaking engagements, I came to the humbling realization that becoming a proficient speaker would require much practice. Whether you're launching a business, a ministry, or introducing a new product or service... the same principle applies.
When you first set out to pursue a dream or passion it's easy to get caught up in the external trappings of logos and branding all of which can lead to a false sense of readiness. Yet, the essence of pursuing your purpose, or any skill for that matter, lies not in outward appearances of how well you promote yourself but instead involves a continuous quest for improvement in how well you develop yourself. To truly excel and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, it became clear that I needed to immerse myself in the art of speaking. This meant practicing relentlessly, seeking feedback, and embracing every opportunity to speak, no matter how small or insignificant it might have seemed at the time.
Through this journey, I learned that practice is not merely a repetitive action but a philosophy of continuous improvement. It's a testament to the belief that the path to excellence is paved with dedication, patience, and an unwavering commitment to becoming a better version of yourself. As I look back on the journey from where I began to where I stand today, the value of practice has never been clearer. Practice is the foundation upon which skills are built and dreams are realized.
