Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Why am I doing this?

My wife, Marie, belongs to an association of human resources professionals. They are having a conference next Tuesday. I have been invited to MC the closing session.

I have a few housekeeping items to do. I have to conduct a draw for prizes and remind delegates to recycle their badges.

I also have to try to end the conference on a positive note.

Marie has suggested I use some material from this blog. I will take her suggestion, but it is easier to sit alone at the keyboard than stand in front of 125 professionals who have spent a whole day listening to speakers.

Last year they hired a comedienne. Marie said she was really good. Personally, I wish she had not been so good. It’s easier to follow the footsteps of a poor performance. However, I need to adopt the attitude of Al Jolson when he performed after the great Caruso. His words were, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”

I am stepping outside of my comfort zone. There is no doubt about it.

While I am a bit nervous, years ago I would have been terrified. Not any more! I feel more like an athlete anticipating the start of the game.

Success isn’t guaranteed, but neither is failure unless I talk myself into it. Regardless of what happens, the worst-case scenario is that I will be exactly where I am now. However, the potential of what could happen is very interesting.

In fact, there are no guarantees in life unless you do nothing. When you do nothing, I can guarantee that nothing will happen.

In spite of the tension, I am just going to do my best. I will concentrate on the opportunity that is being presented to me and consider myself fortunate to have it. Then, I will accept whatever happens, knowing that I have done my best.