Nervous Is Good
An urgent email arrived on Tuesday from an organizer of a web design Meet Up group. One of the speakers from their panel dropped out last minute, and they needed someone to fill in… that evening.
The topic was not something in which I’d qualify as an expert, but I knew I could cover the basics. I explained to the organizer where my know-how might fall short and agreed that if he was okay with me sitting in, I’d do it.
He said yes, I showed up and the whole thing went pretty well. I certainly couldn’t contribute to the level of the other panelists… they were much more savvy on the nuts and bolts programming end of the topic – I was much more on the “user” end of the spectrum.
All in all, it was fine. I’m sure I didn’t wow anyone, but I didn’t make a complete fool out of myself either.
The Challenge
One important thing happened though. I got nervous. It’s been a long time since that happened… I was outside my comfort zone. Who knew that within this loosely structured life I’ve be living in, I might not be ready for some of the seemingly simple things that might get thrown at me.
This was especially important because I have some engagements lined up where I’ll be in front of an audience. Truth is, public speaking doesn’t come entirely naturally to me… I can make it work by having a purpose and doing my research. Those two factors seem to be anxiety-busters for me.
Anyway, I just thought I’d share, and remind everyone to go outside their comfort zone every once in a while.






