It’s good to feel confident. I never used to be. In fact, there are times when I am petrified and filled with anxiety. (like when I am about to click the Buy Now button on that new lens from B&H and I hear my wife walking towards me…)
Seriously. I was a shy kid. Very shy. And a shy adult….until I turned 31 and decided once and for all to do something about it.
So I joined Toastmasters back in ’91. I put in 11 years, loved every minute of it, and now have superpowers because of it. That, and it was very good for business.
I rejoined a few months ago. I felt the need, I felt compelled to challenge myself. To sharpen my skills so to speak.
Confidence, courage and the ability to communicate with both is by far one of the most valuable assets. So why not?
Nobody was as shy and restricted as I was. And my photography skills and money making mojo didn’t start to really grow until I tackled this problem.
I also missed out on many group activities and opportunities because of this affliction. Maybe that had a silver lining, which assisted me in eventually marching to my own drum.
Who knows.
But one thing for certain, I do feel that my shyness held me back in a BIG way.
When I mention this to people, they have a very hard time believing me.
I suppose to many I am the picture of cool confidence and occasional aloofness…ahem….(insert smoldering smirk and cocky Bieber like hair flick here)
One of the hardest things I ever did in my life was tackle this affliction and actively start changing.
This kind of change is deep and everlasting. And, yes, scary. It’s why I believe so many avoid any kind of change. Opting out for the mind numbing work they enslave themselves to and to intense daily doses of television and other mindless entertainment.
This does NOT happen over night. I need to stress this. It all started in fact, months, years before joining. I had intentions and goals. Desire.
I created goals. Eventually, they came true. I wonder….”would my goals and achievements have happened had I not created the goals in the first place?” Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t want to take that chance.
It’s why I still create goals, believe in constant self-improvement and on going training like the monthly mastermind meetings I run for members. Speaking of which the next one is happening tomorrow night, January 17th, 2018 at 9:00PM EST…..
Everything starts with desire and commitment….and showing up. Do join us.
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer
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