Overwhelm Opinions with Conviction by Marc LeVine

Conviction is not merely an opinion. It is something rooted so deeply in the conscience that to change a conviction would be to change the very essence of who you are. - Ravi Zacharias

The power behind words is called CONVICTION. Want to feel and show just how juiced up and gushing with passion you are? Empower your words by truly believing in their meaning and the noble and practical ideas and purposes they represent.

When John Adams and Thomas Jefferson communicated their vision of independence from the British throne, they did so to the excitement of many throughout the colonies. Our founding fathers had a powerful vision of 13 colonies - unchained from foreign rule - independent (from England) and free.  

Before our American patriots could make their dream a reality, they needed to make that reality their dream. They needed to truly believe they could create the necessary conditions for bringing liberty to life for a free America. They did so by using the power of their words, which were inspirational, historic and highly persuasive. Their magnificent and inspiring words lead others to join the rebellion; commit to a costly war; partake in a victorious outcome; and gain their independence.  The commitment was what later formed what we now call the American Dream - freedom and liberty for all.

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Words alone are never enough, though. It is the genuine emotion behind our words that matters most. Ever listen to a boring speaker? We all have. I submit that the same speech - given by a more energetic, enthusiastic and committed individual - would leave the audience hanging on every word. They would be leaving the room pumped up by the uplifting spirit of the messenger, instead of rushing to the exits totally uninspired.  

Just think about how our greatest orators left their audiences feeling at the conclusion of some of their greatest speeches. Whether it be Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt or John F. Kennedy the passion in each of their voices emotionally moved crowds and spurred them to action. Not everyone can produce this same effect, especially those speaking without much conviction. These leaders were master wordsmiths and truly committed to their beliefs, hopes and prayers.

In a more recent example, Tug McGraw was the New York Mets pitching "closer" for several seasons. He coined the popular phrase “ya gotta believe" in 1973. Before the Houston Astros game on July 9, 1973, the Mets were 34–46, in last place in the East Division, 12.5 games out of first place. McGraw shouted to his teammates, coaches and the fans with great conviction - YA GOTTA BELIEVE! The Mets ended up winning 24 of their last 33 games to catch the Chicago Cubs and win their division. They also wound up defeating the Cincinnati Reds to win the National League pennant. In fact, they made it all the way to the World Series losing to Oakland in seven hard fought games.  

So how does one gain conviction?

1.      Ya gotta believe.  If you think something can’t be done before it is tried the battle is already over.  Solve a problem in your head.  Study the solution. Feel good about the chances for success.  And then - speak the way you feel.  Conviction will power your words.  

2.      Reject negativism. While conviction can power our words, negativism and doubt can easily drain them. The thoughts and feelings associated with “can do” and “can’t do” are equally powerful. They can do good or do damage equally well by increasing or decreasing the levels of optimism and pessimism, respectively. If you truly believe in any cause and see that winning is possible – as hard as it may sometimes be to come by – you will rise above all the doubt and seize the day. Others will follow sensing the chance for success.

3.      Promote positivity. Rejecting negativism is simply not enough. It needs to be replaced by feelings that remind everyone that the struggle is real and the goals are attainable. Nothing gets people going better that a rousing speech from someone speaking from his or her own heart. Be that person!

4.      Convince others that there is a good plan. Too many politicians have given raucous speeches about doing this or doing that without ever explaining how things will actually be done. A wish is never a strategy, and most people know that confidence stems from good planning right from the start. Conviction comes from wholeheartedly believing in the plan.  Success comes from successfully executing the plan. And satisfaction comes from knowing you embraced the winning plan from the start.

5.      Be on the team you seek to inspire. You can’t be convicted unless you are willing to make the same sacrifices as those you are trying to inspire with your words. If you are unwilling to share in the effort, your words will betray you. You never want to ask anything of others which you refuse to do yourself. That is the mark of a phony, a charlatan and false prophet. Be the real deal!

If you can speak with conviction, you will enjoy a much more fulfilling life. Your soul will be facilitated and nourished by positive energy rather than challenged and denied by pessimism. It is difficult living without ever "sticking your neck out" for the things you believe in and empowering others to do the same. 

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The Author

Listen to Marc's latest interview on “Failing for You” with Jordan Yates

Marc LeVine is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions and Learning and Development Lead at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

 Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ