As many of
you know, I talk a lot about overcoming fear and taking risks.
While I teach this stuff all the time, sometimes I need my own
reminders. I recently got one.
I was once
cast as a co-host for the pilot episode of a reality television
show for 20th Century Fox. My role entailed taking couples through
a ropes course and facilitating discussion, stuff I do all the
time. However, when I got on location and saw the lights, cameras
and executives from Fox, I heard that voice in my head telling
me I was in way over my head. What was I doing there??!! (To be
honest, I was as amused by the whole thing as I was terrified.)
I even called my wife and expressed my self-doubt. Too late to
turn back, I plunged in, as I would a cold swimming pool.
When the time
finally came to perform on camera, I nervously stuttered through
the word "facilitator." One of the producers shouted
"cut!" and sarcastically explained how the word "facilitator"
is pronounced in the English language. I responded explaining
that as the "artist" on set, I should be able to "interpret"
my lines any way I want and that he should stick to producing.
Everyone on the set laughed at our exchange and suddenly the mood
lightened. I stopped thinking so much about my performance and
just did my job. By the end, the shoot went very well and I received
big-time props from the producers. As usual, the cynical voice
in my head was wrong. And while the show never made it to television
(not many pilots do), it was wonderful to confirm my abilities
and invalidate my fears.
I believe
we are all more capable than we think. While we can't always avoid
self-doubt, we do have self-control. Push yourself forward as
often as you can and don't let your insecurity (fear of demons)
stop you from realizing your full potential.
For tips on
how to set yourself up for success, check out the Jump
Start Leadership Workbooks or The
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
To read more
motivation, check the Chicken
Soup for the Soul series.