Get out of your comfort zone

A few weeks ago, I threw myself in to something entirely out of my comfort zone.

In a nutshell, I was asked to arrange - from scratch - five hours of live music and entertainment for a massive charity event. It was 8 weeks away. Could I help?

First response: errrr, no you're alright. I don't know anything about staging, or PA systems. I don't know any musicians or sound engineers. I wouldn't know where to start. This sounds like a total nightmare.

Actual response: I assume if you're asking me, there's literally no one else? Ah bugger it, ok. Pass me my big girl pants, a notepad and a phone.

Fast forward to the evening before, and we were all ready: 9 acts lined up, a professional MC and a celebrity to open the show. Boom. In the end, it really wasn't that difficult.

I got up on the morning of the event, lugged the sound equipment about, greeted the acts, oversaw the running order and helped with the sound check. We ran on schedule, throughout the day, to the minute. The bands and live demonstrations were magnificent. And we were all totally inspired by our pro rugby player and Harlequins' star, the incredible Jade Konkel, who had very kindly agreed to make an appearance.

Towards the end of the day, I took a moment to watch the hundreds of people milling around the event. I felt very, very lucky to have been involved; it was an absolute privilege and we raised around ￡21,000 for charity.

And I was also reminded: it’s amazing what you can achieve from a standing start, even if it’s something completely new and daunting. And definitely if it takes you outside of comfort zone. You'll probably surprise everyone; especially yourself.

:o)