Stuck in your head? Move ahead anyway. . .

Early in my career, I got an opportunity to present to an important stakeholder. But I didn’t grab it… I was worried.:

“What if I forget the entire pitch”

“What if I make a fool of myself”

“After this blunder, my manager might not give me another opportunity”

I was stuck in my head. Instead of the grabbing the opportunity, I made an excuse and requested a colleague to take it. 

If I could go back 25 years, here’s what I would do:

Focus on what I can control: “ will prepare extensively 

Practice and build confidence: I will rehearse with my manager or few trusted colleagues and work on the feedback 

Be open to making mistakes: They don’t define me

Learn from experience: Step on to the stage with belief that, no matter the outcome, “I will learn”

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