Newsletter of the Society for Technical Communication, San Francisco Chapter
February/March 2005
| Newsletter of the Society for Technical Communication, San Francisco Chapter February/March 2005 |
Recently I was asked if I would volunteer at a fundraising event. My role, with several other guys, was to sell off raffle tickets in skimpy holiday attire, consisting only of boxer shorts, boots, socks and a Santa hat! In addition, at the end of the evening, we would be available for photo opportunities with the guests.
While I was flattered to be asked, the thought of actually doing this terrified me. It brought up my insecurities and fears.
I realized I had two choices.
I could decline the offer and not experience my insecurities and fears. Or I could confront them.
I'm a coach. So I chose option 2.
Prior to the event, I really thought about what was true and what my mind told me. I talked to a few people about it. I find verbalizing insecurities and fears takes away a lot of their power.
By the time I got to the event I was able to be in the moment. I ended up having a lot of fun and helped raised money for a worthy cause.
By confronting my fears I was able to:
So while I'm not looking to become a professional stripper, the experience I had in confronting my fears is useful for me to remember so I become more fearless to make the most of my life.
Our lives are filled with so much possibility. Take them!
Howard Miller has been training, consulting and coaching for over 15 years. In his extensive work with corporate and individual clients, he brings about in people the ability to supply capability for action. Howard firmly believes that if people were more accountable to themselves, they would have more self-respect, which ultimately leads to a better world. Howard Miller is founder of Howard Miller Consulting at www.hsmillerconsulting.com.
Copyright © 2005 by the Society for Technical Communication, San Francisco Chapter (www.stc-sf.org). This article may be reprinted in another STC publication under the provisions of the chapter's copyright policy.