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.
