Yesterday I had two unexpected emails from journalists wanting to interview me about mental wellbeing (happiness) and work and wellbeing (a four day work week).
This, of course, is lovely and welcome.
It also gives me a massive adrenaline rush and butterflies straight away, no matter how long it is until the interview.
You see, I love public speaking and coaching but there is something about an interview, the way you can be misquoted and caught on the hop, that makes me nervous.
The thought of saying the 'wrong thing' can really get to me if I'm not careful.
I consciously and regularly choose my thoughts, breathe and prepare, so that I can manage the anticipation and do it well (enough). Otherwise, instead of enjoying myself and sharing useful research I would be a puddle of adrenaline and then need to sleep straight after it!
Often when we are nervous about something, we reach out to family, friends and colleagues for support, which is great... but... we have to be careful about it.
For example, in this situation, the last person I should talk is someone who amplifies my fears or worse still, amplifies them having never been in the same situation.
You can see how this relates to your life, right?
Before you do something challenging, even a little risky, whose opinion are you getting?
A Debbie Downer or Negative Ned (yes, I made a male version) who always tells you the worst case scenario and what could go wrong? As if you can't do that on your own!
Or someone who never takes any risks or does anything out of the ordinary!?!
Marie Forleo recently said that she sees people routinely go and ask the advice of people they know will disagree with what they are planning or doing. It's a fast way to self-sabotage.
So here's my question to you.
Are you talking to the right people about your plans or what you are doing in the world? People who will encourage you, people with experience in the area?
Becoming more discerning about who you take advice from, brainstorm with or share plans with is something you can change today that can have dramatic and wonderful repercussions in your life.
If you'd like a supportive and skilled sounding board for your emerging plans, I'm your gal. So much of creating your ideal working life centres on confidence and clarity and I can help you with both. Read more here.
To your success!
Lara x
Hi, I'm Dr Lara Corr, life coach and researcher in work and wellbeing. I coach successful 30 and 40 somethings who want more fulfilling or bigger careers but doubt themselves and their options. I help them get out of their own way, find direction and go for what they really want.