I recently practiced what I preach which was expanding outside my comfort zone and tackling a new experience. I was fortunate to be involved in a live podcast about my business and a bit about myself and of course was excited to reach a new audience! Was it an overall positive experience? Yes! But just like many of us, when we expand outside that comfy comfort zone, there is a path of emotions from excitement, nervousness, self doubt, relief and reflection. Perhaps this story sounds familiar.

Phase 1 - Excitement!

Of course at first, I was elated as heck since I enjoy presentations and thought this is a great opportunity to reach a new audience to expand my business! When the interview was scheduled about a month out, I knew I had plenty of time to prepare and to visualize how I wanted the interview to proceed. “I got this! I like talking to large audiences! No problem!” These were just a few statements I was thinking to myself. So I marched along doing some prep work, making notes and anticipating how the live interview would proceed and how the interviewer would sound. Did it all go as planned? Nope…

Phase 2 - Hey, I’m Nervous!

It’s now getting closer...one week, 3 days, 2 days, 1 day, 1 hour, 15 minutes, 5 minutes and then live! Wonder if I fall flat on my face? Wonder if the technology doesn’t work? Then I kept putting it into perspective and saying to myself that no matter what happens, I will make it through no matter what! The day of the interview, I started to get  a bit nervous so I just envisioned how I would proceed if that happened which helped quite a bit. What I didn’t anticipate was right before the interview, the interviewer didn’t really prep me on how to proceed and was talking about his other interviews and other upcoming interviews. So I thought he was going to calm me down but all I could feel was my heart pounding louder and louder and louder! The kind where you think it’s going to beat right out of your mouth! So I kept hearing the countdown which was 7 minutes to go, then 5 minutes, then 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 10 seconds and then live, you’re on! Oh my gosh, I was so nervous when we started and I swear the audience could hear my heart pounding!  What calmed me down was just going into auto pilot for a bit, getting my bearings and getting grounded! A few minutes into the interview, I felt fine and by the end, it was quite fun!

Phase 3 - Relief and Reflection

After the interview, I have to say, I was quite relieved since it was something I had never done before! I knew that people I know and didn’t know were listening so I was anticipating their reaction. Did it sound OK? Was there something funky I said? Everyone has their own perception so everyone has their own feedback.  Of course I received positive and constructive feedback which was al appreciated! Would I have changed some things? Of course! So now, if I do this again, I will be even better prepared!

The moral of the story was that expanding outside the comfort zone was a great experience. Would I do it again? Of course! I coach clients to embrace the uncomfortable and stretch yourself since this is the only way to grow! So I practiced what I preach and hope another uncomfortable and exciting experience is right around the corner!

To listen to the CUTV New Radio Interview, click HERE.