Insight.

I realised volunteering this weekend for me was speaking afraid. It surprised me. Because I am the type of person who eagerly participated in corporate community days, and I love leading and participating in charity events from school and all throughout my career. I was experienced in this. So why did it take me the last 2 years to do this volunteer work? It was the first time I stepped up to do this, all by myself.

Now please pause for a moment and reflect, is there any area outside of your career that you want to do but haven't had a chance to yet?

So What?

My comfort zone I developed was participating in these types of moments in a group. I knew so well how to meet the new people in this activity because I already had a group with me I already know. Also, because I did this as a group, I felt less judgement in participating.

To speak afraid is an opportunity that I know extends beyond the typical public speaking nerves, sweats, and wobbles. It is what helps you show up and speak up in unfamiliar territories.

So yesterday, Sunday morning for me, I used the Speak Afraid Method to help me show up to my decision to participate in a bush care day at a reserve I enjoy walking through. It stopped me committing to well costumed excuses…you know the ones, the important things you all of a sudden want or feel like you need to do because you want to avoid that thing you really should be or want to do.

A question for you; imagine you are now doing that thing you reflected on above, how do you feel doing it?

Next Step.

Judgement I realised, was the fear anchor that delayed me for years to show up at a volunteer activity by myself. This step I call, realisation.

Today I ask you to gift yourself some time this week to explore what is really holding you back from that thing that's been calling within you for a while now. Then sit with it a little longer so you may go deeper into this exploration, so you may discover your own realisation of what is holding you back.

Do you believe you can do this step? Why or why not?

All the best, Susan.

P.S. Showing up for yourself for things that are not work related to you is important because it helps you recharge. But it is also how you strengthen your confidence because it is an act of self-love that you give to yourself. This action tells yourself that you are important and valuable. Yes, you may already know you are valuable but investing in yourself through activities outside of work is an action that makes it more to you than a belief. This action is what contributes to confidence. That is another reason why the Speak Afraid Method may be applicable to many areas of your life.