Today, I bought myself flowers. It was a celebration of my courage and personal growth.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise how far I’ve come from a time when fear controlled my life.
Years ago, I experienced one of the scariest moments of my life at university. While presenting an essay, my mind went blank. I couldn't talk, think, or see clearly, and I couldn't stop shaking. That day, I discovered I had a fear of public speaking.
This fear made even simple tasks difficult. Every time I faced a situation where people were observing me, I felt defeated before even starting. But this week, something changed.
The Turning Point
At the start of the week, I was invited to speak at the Women's in Business Network group in Auckland. My first thought was, "No way!" The idea of standing in front of an audience again brought back memories of my university experience. However, I soon realised that to fulfil my dream of empowering women to create extraordinary lives, I needed to overcome this fear. I said yes.
Immediately, my body tensed up, as if asking, "Did you lose your mind?" But I knew that by losing my mind, I had the chance to find myself and step into my power.
The Power of Sisterhood
On the day of the event, I stood up for myself. As I began speaking, I felt the familiar fear rising. So, I repeated in my mind, "I am willing to witness my fear. But I choose to see love instead." This mantra empowered me.
What truly made a difference was the support of the amazing women in the room. They were not just there to listen but to hold space for me. This sense of sisterhood was incredibly powerful. I felt it was safe to be vulnerable, to be myself. I knew they would catch me if I fell.
Their support raised me up, and everything went better than I could have imagined.
Planned Action: A Key to Overcoming Fear
Overcoming fear isn't just about positive thinking; it involves planned action. Here’s how planned action can help you conquer your fears:
1. Preparation:
Preparation is crucial. When we prepare thoroughly, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to face challenges.
For my speech, I spent time researching my topic and organising my thoughts. This groundwork gave me a strong foundation and boosted my confidence.
2. Rehearsal:
Practising my speech multiple times helped me feel more comfortable and less anxious. Rehearsal is about familiarising yourself with the material and the process.
By practising, I reduced the chances of being caught off guard. This repetition helped me internalise my speech, making it feel more natural and less daunting.
3. Self-Hypnosis:
I used self-hypnosis to rewire my brain and reduce anxiety. Visualising a successful outcome helped me stay calm.
Self-hypnosis involves guided meditation and positive affirmations, which can reframe negative thoughts and reduce fear.
This technique can be incredibly effective for managing anxiety and building self-assurance.
4. Support System:
Having a supportive community, like the women in the network group, made me feel safe and encouraged.
A support system provides emotional backing and practical advice. The presence of people who believe in you can be a powerful motivator.
Knowing that I wasn’t alone, that I had a group of women cheering me on, made all the difference.
The Role of Mindset
Changing my mindset was a significant part of overcoming my fear. Instead of viewing the speech as an insurmountable challenge, I started seeing it as an opportunity for growth.
Embracing a growth mindset means recognising that challenges are opportunities to learn and improve. By shifting my perspective, I reduced the pressure on myself and opened up to new possibilities.
Embracing Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but it is, in fact, a strength. By allowing myself to be vulnerable, I connected more deeply with my audience.
They appreciated my honesty and authenticity, which made my message more impactful.
Embracing vulnerability means accepting that it’s okay to be imperfect and that sharing our true selves can inspire others.
Today, I bought myself flowers to celebrate my achievement. By planning my actions and relying on the support of a sisterhood, I overcame my fear of public speaking.
If you’re struggling with fear, remember that with preparation, practice, and a supportive community, you can overcome anything.
Key Takeaways:
Preparation and Rehearsal: Equip yourself with knowledge and practice to build confidence.
Self-Hypnosis: Use techniques to manage anxiety and reframe negative thoughts.
Support System: Lean on a community that believes in you and offers encouragement.
Mindset Shift: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Vulnerability: Connect authentically with others by embracing your true self.
If you’re ready to face your fears, start by taking small steps.
Prepare, practice, and seek out supportive communities. Remember, you are not alone.
Together, we can overcome our fears and achieve our dreams. Book a FREE Call and let’s chat about it!
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