I recently joined Toastmasters. There are five core competencies Toastmasters teaches.
- Public Speaking
- Interpersonal Communication
- Strategic Leadership
- Management
- Confidence
On the handout, the fifth one is grayed out with an asterisk that says, “Confidence is unique because it can’t be taught, but it is gained in every path.
My first thoughts were, “Lovely. I joined Toastmasters to gain confidence, and there is no manual, no sequence to follow, no directions?” But after a few weeks of showing up and participating in meetings, I am beginning to agree that confidence isn’t something you teach; instead, it is gained by doing the hard things.
I prefer texting to phone calls because on the phone you don’t know what the person might ask. I like to have time and space to process my answers. I’m working on going into the uncomfortable and not panicking or trying to control the outcome. For me, that means repeatedly volunteering for a two-minute impromptu speech.
Today my topic was climate change—a subject I don’t know much about. I stood up there and spoke about how I had hoped I wouldn’t get that question and how I could relate to someone else who spoke on liking the climate in her home to be a consistent 74 degrees.
When I finished, I realized I succeeded not because I gave a great speech but because I showed up. Even if what I show up for is messy or things happen out of my control, I win when I show up.
What hurdle are you facing today? You just need 20 seconds of insane courage. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just done. Show up and you win.
Yes!!! Showing up is the victory. God helps us to show up, and He helps us deliver. Speeches, stories, cookies, meals, you name it. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
If not for the grace and strength of God. Amen and amen.
I can sure relate to this. I love to hide behind text and e-mail because I lack the confidence to deal with interaction without the safety net of a little time to think of a response. Yet, when I step out of my comfort zone, I am usually glad I did. Sometimes I think that old adage, “fake it til you make it,” is wisdom. If only we could see ourselves as God sees us, full of potential waiting to be tapped. Bless you!
I think that is a great prayer, “Help me God to see me as you see me.” I wonder how that would change us? Makes me think of the potential I see in my children that they don’t see in themselves.