Cup of Inspiration

Today is the day to get up and give a public speech. Perhaps you may also try a little skydiving. Then, of course, you may set up some time to talk with your boss about that raise, you know, the discussion you’ve been thinking about for several months now. Today, October 10, the second Tuesday of October, we celebrate International Face Your Fears Day.

Fear is a powerful thing. Fear can hold you back from pursuing your dream job. It can hold you back from trying something new. It can paralyze you as you begin a new chapter in your life. Any joy you may have felt as you walk through those doors of a new opportunity is snatched from you. It can blind you to the support you have as you go into an unfamiliar territory.

When I was in middle school, I competed in a speech contest. I had never tried out public speaking and thought it would be interesting. I did enjoy writing, and I viewed this as an opportunity to have others listen to something I had written. As I got up on stage, however, and looked at the small crowd of parents and judges, I was suddenly filled with terror. I got through the speech, but I wanted to disappear in the back of the room after it was finished.

Fear of public speaking kept me from wanting to speak up for myself. I knew I was terrible at it. My memory of that speech contest years ago was proof that my fear was justified, or so I thought. Fast forward a few years, and I’m suddenly forced to face this fear again. I had a manager who insisted that I give a brief presentation during one of the department meetings. She knew I was terrified, but she also knew it was the best thing for me. I got up to give the 3–5-minute presentation, and sure enough, I was terrified, but I did get through it. The experience forced me to do something to get over this terrible fear.

About a week or so later, I began visiting a Toastmasters club that met during lunchtime at work. After a few visits, I finally joined. Each presentation I gave at these meetings got a little better. I found myself getting more involved and feeling more confident.

I am far from a great speaker. I will still feel nervous getting in front of people, but I don’t let fear hold me back like I had once done. The experience has taught me to not let fear dictate my future steps.

What is your biggest fear? Are you fearful of asking for that promotion? Are you really wanting to pursue your own business, but fear is telling you that you would be a failure? Is fear keeping you from doing what is right at work because you worry what will happen if you don’t just follow the crowd? Remember, don’t let fear define you. Don’t let fear set your direction in life. Face your fears today and enjoy freedom.