Today I stepped out of my “comfort zone” box to do a live radio interview on WNYR, 98.5 in Geneva, NY. It was COOL, but definitely not within my comfort zone. Now, I know… many of you are saying, “You do weekly broadcasts, you speak in front of large audiences. How could a radio interview be outside of your comfort zone?” Well, as a recovering perfectionist, I find that whenever I have to speak like that, I feel vulnerable. I ask myself, “What if nobody likes what I have to say?” or “What if I don’t sound professional?”
Yes, I still have those thoughts and feelings from time to time. That is human! I just don’t let it hold me back! The thing I have learned is that fear is OK, it won’t kill me, it won’t prevent me from doing anything. Only I can prevent myself from doing something. So I acknowledge the fear, and go forward! Don’t think that fear makes you weak, and don’t believe that fear has to stop you. The more you accept fear as your faithful companion, the less you end up feeling it!
For example, I used to feel very afraid to do my weekly broadcasts on Spreecast. My hands would shake, I would have to prepare for a good amount of time in advance to assure myself, and I would think about all the things that could go wrong…. then I would just do it. NOW… after having about a years worth of shows under my belt, my hands no longer shake, I don’t feel the need to over-prepare, and I don’t worry about what could go wrong because it has already happened! I have had days where the show didn’t go well at all. Either because there were technical difficulties, or because nobody watched, and yet, I survived and I am here to talk about it! Once you realize that there really is NO such thing as failure, there is only feedback, it removes your resistance to try scary things.
Today, I walked into the little box… the radio studio and gave it my best shot! I think it went very well and I look forward to doing it again next month. Maybe a few months in, I won’t feel the fear anymore… but even if I do, I know it won’t stop me from living my dream of inspiring the world to love, dream, experience, try new things, take risks, and to Live Inspired Now!
Heather Paris inspires people all over the world to create happier lives through talks, workshops, blog posts, and her book, Live Inspired Now; A Field Guide For Happiness. For more information about transforming your relationship, family, or your life, contact Heather today!
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