You deserve to be heard

I always thought of myself as someone who isn’t afraid to take on new challenges.

When I left my broadcast TV career to move into public speaking, I didn’t hesitate to say yes to speak to any audience, no matter how big or small.

My thinking was each time I stood up in front of an audience, I would become 1 per cent better.

And after each talk, I would ask myself - what went well?

What could I have done better?

Did I deliver something of value to the audience?

I’ve always done my best learning by actually doing the thing, whether it’s speaking, writing or doing videos for social media.

I think this is why I’ve been able to create a social media network across platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram and Substack.

I’ve put myself out there.

Even when I didn’t feel confident enough.

This week, I was sitting around a table working with a group of health leaders.

I was curious and asked them what held them back from sharing their insights publicly.

‘Fear of judgement”

“Others know more than me”

“Imposter syndrome” were the most common answers.

Does this sound like you?

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Researchers from the University of Louisville found if you have imposter syndrome, you over-prepare for tasks because you falsely believe you have to work harder than others to get a good result.

Or you procrastinate on assignments until the last minute worried you will eventually be exposed as a fraud.

(Note: this does not happen!)

If you are a perfectionist you probably discount your intelligence, experience, skills and natural talents.

Sitting in that room with me were highly qualified, dedicated health professionals each making a huge impact in their chosen fields.

Yet they were being held back.

They were limiting themselves in the impact they could have.

And missing out on the chance to become international leaders in their fields.

Why waiting for perfection doesn’t work

Sharpening the Axe

There’s a clever story about 2 ways to chop down a tree (or achieve any goal really.)

You can spend months and months sharpening your axe, until you feel ready.

Or you can find the sharpest axe in front of you and just chop away at the tree until it’s felled.

This is the difference between taking action now, even if it’s not perfect and sitting back until you feel ‘ready’.

What to do instead

First of all, think about which camp you fall into.

Do you take action even before you feel confident and improve 1 % each time?

Or do you wait until you feel like now is the right time?

To me the Nike slogan sums it up:

Just Do It.

Take action. Messy, imperfect action.

Take action before you are ready.

Write the proposal.

Send the text to the person you want to get to know better.

Book in for the class you want to take.

Say yes to making a speech about your area of expertise.

You have so much more to gain by taking action now, than sitting back waiting for the perfect moment.

Do you agree?

What is holding you back from taking action and moving you towards your deepest goals?

Let me know in the comments.

I love hearing from you.

Soph x

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/