There is a veritable plethora of interview clichés that people say.  One I hear again just the other day is “to be completely honest.”

Anyone want to guess what my first thought is when I hear this?  Depending on my mood I have one of a few.  I have to resist saying one of the following statements:

  • Oh, I don’t want that… lie to me.
  • So, you haven’t been honest so far?
  • Define completely.
  • Wait, say that again.

I know that after saying many people immediately recognize the idiocy in the statement.  I am not saying they are an idiot but that phrase is.  I know it is because I have said it and right after the words come out of my mouth I think… you so idiot.

If you find yourself saying “to be completely honest” a lot, stop it!  No really, stop it!

The Man

I think self awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion.
Billie Jean King