To Curse or Not to Curse: That is the Question

Trying to distinguish yourself amongst the crowd is challenging to say to the least – especially when you need to broadcast your message in a sea of self-help blah, blah, blah. There are already really incredible and inspiring teachers on the circuit these days. I know this because I’ve been studying these really successful teachers, particularly women, with their best-selling books and sold out workshops, in an attempt to understand the secret to their success. What I found is very intriguing.

The standard mojo to get attention is to curse.

Cursing on stage, in blogs, and online seems to work. There are several big-time personalities currently firing up the nation in that trendy and positive, “bitch-slapping” sort of way. I’m sure it offends some, but it sure seems to be gaining the attention of millions.

Do you really need to curse to get attention?

Trust me, I’m no Pollyanna. I’ve been known to pull out an appropriate f-bomb in the right situation – amongst friends – and I’m not judging those who choose to pull one out of their hat on stage, or anywhere else for that matter. I’m simply asking the question, in 2015, do you really need to curse to get people to listen?

There’s no doubt cursing can be effective. Whether you say them or hear them, curses shift your state – immediately. Cursing can wake you up from self-judgment and self-sabatoge. Cursing commands your attention and shocks you into the now.

It seems to me, however, the benefits of cursing may be short-lived. You may grab someone’s attention, but it wears off quickly. Soon enough your audience will be waiting for the next f-bomb to drop. I know this because I wait in anticipation, too. I like it when these super pumped personalities curse and scream in my face, and I know where there is one curse, they’ll be more.

I like it in small doses and when I’m in the mood for it.

While you’ll likely not hear me curse in my classes or blogs, I will continue to follow from those that curse, and do so well I might add. It doesn’t offend me and to be honest, often makes me laugh. I’m not convinced cursing is necessary to wake people up and get them to listen, but it certainly adds some fireworks to the oftentimes overly sugary and sappy world of self-help and personal transformation.

To curse or not to curse, that is the question.

How do you feel? I’d love to hear your sentiments.