I’m* presenting a workshop tomorrow at the Esquimalt MFRC’s Pacific Women’s Day called Embracing Your Strength. It’s a workshop on setting goals but more importantly, recognizing that you already have the experience and strength to achieve greatness!
I was inspired to submit my application for this event after remembering my business coach (I refer to her often because she’s brilliant and everyone needs a brilliant and motivating voice in their business life) encouraging all of her clients to share our stories and get out there. Well, I’m out there now! I was calm and collected until this week arrived. Uh oh…how is this going to go? What if everyone hates it? What if I spill coffee on my outfit? OMG what am I going to wear?!?
I’ve got my presentation ready and the handouts will be printed this afternoon. I’ve deleted slides and jotted notes, and while I know that I’m anxious about it I know I shouldn’t be. I know what I’m talking about. I’m leading a workshop on something I’ve had to do myself time and time again. When I lost my job at 25? I cried first, but then I channeled my energy into finding my next position. When I took the leap to go back to school? I embraced that challenge and graduated at the top of my class. When I encountered difficulties being a stepmom? I sought out resources and learned and did my best. I’ve done scary things before and I like to think that everything’s turned out pretty great. So even though I still haven’t chosen my outfit, I’m talking myself into believing that this workshop is going to be an amazing experience.
Something I’ve learned which always surprises me is that the pros I admire still get nervous! If the big guns get a little apprehensive, then it’s ok for me, too! I know a fitness instructor who is leading a workout event tomorrow who was doubting her material earlier this week. She leads workouts for a living, (and does a fantastic job of it!)so why would this be any different? NHLers get nervous before a big game. TedTalk presenters often mention being nervous before their talks. Heck! Seasoned marathon runners have nervous poops before big races.
We get nervous because we want to succeed. That drive to achieve is what probably led most of us to starting our own businesses in the first place. We want to create something great and share it with the world. We want our audience, our clients, our fans to enjoy our work and while this workshop is not a fitness event, I want to empower other women to take a leap of faith and start moving towards something big. I am excited about how goal setting has worked for me and I am excited at the possibilities for others to take away even one little morsel of what I have to say and change their lives because of it.
So, yes I’m nervous but I’m not backing out. I’ll probably feel nervous until my presentation is over but I’m embracing my favourite slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” (I have it posted around my house) and moving forward. What big thing could you do for yourself or your business or life if you didn’t let the fear and nerves stop you?
*I, as in Shannon the woman, not Meraki the business.
Mindset Events 