Day 6 #Fearless30Challenge: This Used to Scared the S**t Out of Me + How I Handled It.

Day 6 #Fearless30Challenge: This used to scare the s**t out of me + how I handled it.

I have jumped out of planes, traveled parts of the world alone, walked into countless events without knowing a soul, and challenged myself like the recent Grand Canyon Rim to Rim day hike.

Do you notice a theme?

Everything that pumps me to challenge myself involves movement.

I would have laughed if you had asked me to stand up in front of 10 people 25 years ago to teach a class or give a speech.

That is not going to happen. I will stay back here.

But, in most cases, running a business requires facing forward a lot in social situations.

About fifteen years ago, I will NEVER forget going to my first Chapel Hill Leads Group networking event, where we stood to give our 30-second pitch. I had to follow many veterans who popped a pitch like a pro.

It was my turn, and I stood up with my cup of coffee. Mistake #1!!

I was shaking so terribly that my coffee spilled. I was mortified and sat down, saying, "I will never EVER do this again!"

Public speaking terrified me more than the great American cockroach, snakes, or spiders. Seriously. That is saying A LOT.

Growing up, I could have been a better student. I was not the sharpest with a quick response, and I compared myself to my older sisters and others that made schoolwork look like playtime.

Not me. If you called on me to play even a game of Pictionary, I would panic when it was my turn. Will I look stupid?

Some of you who know me may say, "Ahhh, this now makes so much sense!"

About six years ago, I realized that to grow in life and business; we must learn to communicate confidently. In private situations, I was fine. But I froze solid when you put me in front of a group or on camera.

So I embarked on something I would NEVER have imagined myself doing. EVER.

I hired a coach. I spent more money on a coach when I didn't even know what a business coach was. I wanted answers.

Suzanne and Larry, you got me!

The next thing you know, I am flying off to the Bahamas with 50-plus other cohort members.

It was time for our first speech. I walked up on the stage, unaware of who I was. All I can say is that I was shaking and all else that came with it.

After the speech…

"What the hell was that? "That was terrible!!" I hear in the distance. "You are the most airy-fairy person I have ever met!" And that trumped it all.

I will never make it. I am terrible. I am a failure.

You may be now thinking how terrible. Who would talk to someone like that? Trust me; I felt the same. And I was not alone.

But what was happening was something much bigger than me or my feelings. A transformation was happening.

The more I walked into the fire pit, my voice and body became more assertive. The more assertive I became, the more confident I became as well.

Today I stand with no fear. My hands no longer shake. And I welcome any questions without fear of being wrong.

It took facing head-on what I feared the most. I am so grateful for those that put me in the ring and handed me the punches. Otherwise, I would not be where I am today.

I reflect on the mentors and everyone who positively impacted my personal and professional life; all threw a few punches.

Coach Dollarhide.. I love you and will never forget you. Those three licks using the paddle with holes got my attention. You gave me one of the most memorable moments of my life. I did the roundoff with 2 back handsprings during the Texas / Arkansas game!! It was you who got me there.

Suzanne Evans and Larry Winget - unforgettable indeed. You woke me and my voice.

Alok Appadurai - All that you be. Thank you and love you.

Chris Prouty - Now get to work! I hear you every day.

We must lean into those who challenge us to face our greatest fears.

When you find that mentor, you will know. When you say, "It's a love-hate relationship," that means it's a beautiful relationship.

Face your fears. Live your truth. The world is waiting!!

?? Lauren