Conquering the #1 Fear in the World

Many are unaware of this, however, it is truly the #1 fear in the world followed by death, and that fear is public speaking. Many have stated that they fear standing in front of any size of a crowd more than death. Crazy! I am one who can relate to this fear as for many years I avoided any opportunity to speak in front of any size of a crowd.
This was especially the case during my 12 years in school, on the days where we had class presentations I tried as hard as I could to stay home sick, or I would even go home before the presentations were to occur. There were times where I hoped the presentations would go too long and we had to wait for another day for mine, and this was often what happened. I would be excited when the teacher would say we would get the rest another day, however, soon enough that day would eventually come. I would then have to confront the fear and step in front of the class and present.
I can honestly say with the utmost conviction that I never had a decent presentation, my mindset was simple, get up and get down as fast as I could. No stopping, no breathing, just words coming out randomly and with such a speed you could not pick up what I was saying. I never had intent to deliver a great presentation, I set that goal at even below the minimum. I never committed to learning how to be a better presenter. I allowed myself to remain below average. I will admit that my fear was driven by insecurity, due to my history of physical and verbal abuse from other students, and the fact I believed everything they told me I was unable to present.
This was a fear I accepted that I would have for the rest of my life, however, I forgot about one very important detail, people can change. I never predicted that in 2012 I would change, I never predicted that in 2012 I would become a motivational speaker, and I never expected I would make my speaking debut in front of 900+ students! The picture above was of that exact moment. As you can see I was having the time of my life! I enjoyed every minute I was speaking, and ever since then I now crave opportunity to speak in front of people.
How was I able to overcome this fear? I made a commitment to action, and as result this disallowed time for me to hesitate. Hesitation allows fear to come in, as long as you procrastinate you allow fear to win. When my friend Sunday asked me to come speak I knew I needed to commit to it, and I am so happy that I did, it surely was a life-altering experience. Due to this commitment I was able to speak more. This was a fear that disallowed me so much, and now it is a opportunity that has allowed me so much!

Due to my passion and how I always made it known this was my passion, many people were inviting me to speak with them. My good friend TJ Wilson (Former WWE Tag Team Champion and Superstar, Tyson Kidd) invited me to speak with him at a school his sister Val volunteered at. This allowed me an opportunity to speak to another few hundred students, and it also allowed me opportunity to coach a youth one-on-one. The best part of overcoming this fear is the opportunity to add value and positivity to youths and adults.
If I had not committed when my friend Sunday invited me I never would have garnered the opportunities, mindset, and accomplishment I have. The best way to overcome a fear is commitment to IMMEDIATE action. It is this immediate action that disallows fear to creep in. As soon as you commit to action you disallow yourself to commit to flight, and you disallow fear to win. It all begins with the first step which I understand is the hardest, however, it is also the easiest. It is only as hard as it is due to all the time you are procrastinating and hesitating, all this time only allows fear to come in.
“You overcome fear due to immediate action, as long as you remain thinking you focus solely on fear. Commit to IMMEDIATE action. Overwhelm fear with action, fear cannot survive in an environment focused on action.” Dave M. Boddy
Overcoming my fear of public speaking has allowed me so much opportunity that I know I would never have as long as I allowed fear to win. The only person who can overthrow fear is yourself, this is a victory that needs to occur from within.


Another opportunity that was manifested through overcoming the fear of public speaking, was the opportunity to co-host a SHAW TV series I also produced, and the ability to act on numerous TV shows, commercials, and movies. You will be amazed with the opportunities you will garner when you overcome a fear, and this is why I help youths and adults through the process of overcoming a fear. It all begins with immediate commitment to action, from there it is reliant on focus, determination, and consistency. When you disallow this fear more opportunity to consume you, you allow tremendous opportunities to come in!
Overcome fear to help you become the best version of who you are.
Dave M. Boddy
#davemboddy