Today’s lesson in self confidence came draped in a cloak of social awkwardness
I’m an introvert. I swear no matter what anyone else tells you, I really am. When you see me out and I look chipper and boisterous and engaging, I am up for Best Actress of the Year award because on the inside I am awkwardly wondering if the last thing I said made any sense at all.
Actually before that, I’m trying to remember what the last thing I said was, then I worry if what I said was relevant, informational, or at least engaging in some way shape or form.
No one ever believes me what I say this.
Ladies and gentleman, welcome to a glimpse into the world of social anxiety.
I ventured out today. With intention, not because I had to. With direction, as in to a place where someone had confirmed I would be in attendance. With purpose, to personally connect an attendee with one of my clients that are in need of their services.
It wasn’t until the speaker began his presentation that I realized I was there to receive more than I expected. The topic of the day was “How to Become the Expert in Your Industry”. This is a subject that I’m well versed in. It’s only kinda the basis of what I do for clients; so you’d think I wouldn’t have a need for the presentation.
Yet, the universe had already set me up for this lesson throughout the past week, and dropped the message square in my lap this morning not long before I left.
Perspective.
If I can help others see the power of their knowledge, and help them strategically vocalize their expertise in order to help them increase their influence, then obviously I can do that for myself, right? Clearly I know how to do it. I’ve successfully developed brands of my own before. Brands that, still to this day, carry some weight in their respective industries; though one is defunct for lack of a better expression, while the other is blowing in the wind just waiting for me to put some wind back under it with a bit of time, intention and attention.
Sounds easy. And it is. When it’s not you doing the heavy lifting. When you’re the creator, architect, master planner, and Gina of all trades, those roles start to merge into one big blur and very easily become tiresome. And let’s face it, we don’t think as well when we’re tired as we do when we’re rested and clear headed.
I realized just moments into the presentation that my purpose for being there was less about making the business connection I wanted to make, and more about regaining perspective into who I am, what I already know, and how to connect all the dots to complete the picture of success that is waiting for me to take hold of.
I got the lesson. And I passed along the referral. I even got to wish a great friend happy birthday, and make a few other awesome connections.
I’m not leaving the house again for another month.
This is that section where I’m supposed to tell you how awesome I am and how I can help you be just as awesome. Unfortunately, I am too wrapped up in helping others do all that awesome stuff to have a fully developed website that tells you that I’m awesome. So just follow me on Twitter; I’m always over there. Or email me or something.
