“Life is like a ten-speed bike;
most of us have gears we never use.”
~Charles Schulz
I have mentioned before that I am a member of a networking group that meets from 8:00-9:30 every Friday morning. There are more than 30 people in the group, which includes lawyers, financial advisors, insurance specialists, a nutritionist, plumber, organizer, myself and other business professionals.
Every week, each one of us is invited to give a one-minute presentation on what our business is all about and who might like to take advantage of our work. We do quite a lot of networking within the group and that’s good.
I have discovered, however, that many people do not like to do their one-minute presentation. It’s the same problem that causes seventy-five percent of the population to say they would rather have a tooth pulled without anesthesia, than have to present in front of a group.
I started this post with the quote from Charles Schulz because it speaks directly to the way so many people present themselves. They use only one gear (usually a low one) when speaking and all the other gears or facets of their personality are left untouched.
Why the Attitude?
It’s fear, of course. It’s driving the need of the fearful or unconfident or unskilled presenter to get off the spot and safely back in their chair or off the stage.
To challenge ourselves to use the other gears we possess requires a commitment on our own behalf. Think of it as a “change order” for life.
The good news is that this is a choice, a decision to make a change in your behavior and in the way you communicate with others. This new choice to embrace growth and change will become a major adventure in your life.
Make the Decision
- You have decided to take on your fears, to wrestle with the tension demon, and win.
- You have decided to make a new path in your life journey.
- You are saying to yourself, “I am making a change in how I choose to express my life force.”
Please remember to be kind to yourself. This life change requires patience and trust in your “instrument” (your body, face, voice and personality) and how it behaves. One step at a time, don’t try to use all your gears at once or you will find yourself out of control and lacking the knowledge as to how to move confidently from one gear to another.
Make the Change
Start by getting on the bike and deciding which direction to head in your new life journey. The decision alone is uplifting and encouraging. As you gain confidence you will find the old, low-gear modes less fulfilling. In fact, staying in a low gear when you’re ready to move ahead will actually hold you back. Ready? Pedal steadily and find your next gear and the next and the next.
Trust in yourself. You can do it.
Laurie Burton Training can give you the tools to help you make the most of all your gears! Contact us today!