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You don’t need to be ahead of the game – just alongside

I spoke at Conference recently and it was a mix of feelings.  People said I was a ‘natural’, ‘inspiring’, ‘informed’.  Well that was a little amazing, as inside I felt anxious.

Nerves are a funny think.  They can protect us from frightening situations an also spur us on to do better. And in this case, the latter won.

I often feel a fraud when sharing my take on things.  I hover between feeling very wise and knowing nothing.  ‘Who me? “Who am I to share anything my mind tells me?”

But isn’t that the idea of Conference.  We get another viewpoint and perspective. And ‘different 'prompts us to re-evaluate.

So, in perspective, with this encouragement behind me, I no longer feel that I am not enough.  I don’t strive to be 2 steps, or even one step ahead of others.

I’m now thinking that just sharing this Universe and walking alongside, gives me a right to share, as long as it is respectful and in the best interests of all (had to put that in!).

Those of us, like me who are the silent, steady sort, often feel less valuable than the louder ones.  But Conference taught me a number of things

  • I do have something to say
  • As long as it is thoughtful ad meaningful, it will be well received
  • I can connect with others through my passion, knowledge and insights
  • People are usually interested and supportive when you’re brave and stand up

Now I know, we don’t all have such a platform to speak to others, as I did, but we do speak to others every day in our own capacity.

So do you feel timid amongst others, or emboldened to speak out?

Are you confident in your ability to speak to others, or do you feel ‘less than’ in others’ presence?

Projecting confidence doesn’t necessarily mean that our fear is gone.  We just got good at masking it!

So why don’t you speak out about something today?

 

Autumn sees the launch of Developing the Exam Mindset. Join the Waitlist for further details

Many schools have anxious exam students, so I created a Framework that helps them become School Thought Leaders who show their students how to understand their own minds, manage their thoughts and develop exam resilience