Fear is the villain and practice is the shero.
I’ve been doing a lot of things for the first time in the last year as part of running my business. Last week I did two things that scared the heck out of me and yet, I felt this pull like a wave to the shore that compelled me to do them. Here’s the thing — I wish I felt less afraid during the process!
I’ve been doing a lot of things for the first time in the last year as part of running my business. Last week I did two things that scared the heck out of me and yet, I felt this pull like a wave to the shore that compelled me to do them. Here’s the thing — I wish I felt less afraid during the process!
A metaphor representing fear and practice came to me. Fear is like the villain in a movie. It’s sinister, lurking in the dark, watching for the right moment to attack me. Its most debilitating weapons are self-doubt and jolts of near panic in my stomach.
Practice is the shero. She reminds me that every single time I practice the new thing I want to get better at doing, fear weakens. This insight gave me an idea.
The two things I did last week that scared me were related to public speaking. It’s not just about improving as a public speaker. It’s deeper than that. I want to connect with people in a way that inspires them to reflect on who they're being and what they're doing to create lives they love.
Here’s how I’m going to practice. In a private, secret Facebook group me and a few other people with similar goals are going to practice giving Facebook Live talks. I think of it as my voice gym. My commitment is to do a 1-3 minute FB Live talk about what I’m noticing every day for 30-days starting in July.
I know that whatever we’re practicing, we’re improving. Join me! Choose something important to you to practice during the month of July and send me an email (jalene@jalenecase.com) to let me know how it’s going.
What do you want to get better at doing?
How will you practice it?
In the spirit of knowing ourselves,
Jalene
I believe that creating lives we love (at home and at work!) starts with our hearts.
That belief is woven throughout my work as an Executive & Personal Coach and in facilitating Professional and Personal Development. Reach out to me to talk about how my offerings might serve you and/or your organization.
Let's connect!
JaleneCase.com • (541) 272-2337
What's Next?
Practice Sparks Passion
This morning I delivered my very first speech at Toastmasters. I joined the group because I wanted to improve my public speaking skills. Pretty straight forward and kind of mundane, right? Maybe, but in the three short months between starting in January and speaking today, something big inside of me changed.
For several weeks, I’ve been struggling with exactly why I’m in this group. Today, after being reminded once again to project, so that everyone can hear me, I know. I don’t need to simply speak louder. I realized that the real reason I joined the group is this: I'm ready to strengthen my voice and use it to join the many people who make positive contributions in our world. I found my real "why!" Even more importantly, I could feel the spark of my "why" in my heart.
The next ah-ha that flooded through me was that just like practicing yoga has strengthened my body, practicing speeches will strengthen my voice. And, the sweet, dark chocolate sauce drizzled on top of the whole experience was that I knew the feedback I received from my fellow Toastmasters was exactly what I needed to hear as I began my journey through this new doorway toward speaking publicly. Suddenly I thought, "How cool is this?! I don't need to find places to speak to practice. I can practice right here and receive constructive comments to boot!"
Practice. It's not sexy, often not fun, almost always humbling and yet it's at the crux of expressing our passion from the core of our true selves.
What are you practicing?
Know that whatever you're practicing, that is what you're getting better at doing.
In the spirit of knowing ourselves,
Jalene
P.S. Thank you Yaquina Toastmasters!
I help individuals and small businesses clarify their vision, build stronger connections with themselves and others, reach the results they want, and find more joy and satisfaction along the way.
Let's connect at: JaleneCase.com • LinkedIn • Facebook • Twitter
With my monthly blog posts, I dig into topics related to leading ourselves so we can get what matters most done.
To receive posts via email…
Subscribe Below
Thank you!
Search the Blog
Places & Products I Love
Learn about our motorcycle trip from Oregon to the southern tip of South America.
I LOVE being part of the Oasis community to help me get my scary sh*t done.
I LOVE Brene Brown's work about "daring greatly" and more.
I LOVE the Insight Timer app because it makes meditation easy.