Put Yourself Out There

Boldness is a mask for fear, however great. ~ John Dryden ~

You might have heard the phase, "Never let them see you sweat."  There is some value in that statement.  It's not that you want to be false in your confidence.  Instead think of it this way -- there is research that suggests you can become more powerful if you hold yourself in a powerful pose.  So, perhaps if you make bold choices despite your fear, then perhaps you will help reduce that fear.  Confidence comes from experience.  Act as if the first time is really the second or third time.  Great leaders are fearful, just like you.  The only difference is that they aren't timid.  They don't act scared.  They act bold.  Act as if you aren't scared. Act until you become bold - until you become confident.  Put yourself out there - no one will find you until you do.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I am bold even when I am fearful. 

Be A Student

“When you listen, it's amazing what you can learn. When you act on what you've learned, it's amazing what you can change." ~ Audrey McLaughlin ~

No matter your education and no matter your experience, you should always be open to learning.  As much as you know, you can always know more - because, quite simply, you don't know everything.  And that's OK.  More than OK. It's awesome.  How do you learn? By listening to everyone you meet. Being humble and aware that you can learn at anytime from anyone - will help you be good to yourself and to others.  Imagine this world if everyone took the student view point.  A great leader is only adviser when they are also learners.  Be a student so that you can create, improve and help achieve great things.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I listen so that I can be a student.

Trust in Experience

Experience makes more timid men than it does wise ones. ~ Josh Billings

A young child will not go near a stove after they have been burned.  Even if you try to show them how to be near the stove safely.  They trust their experience more than a parent, thus, making them more timid and unwilling to try again.  As you become older you tend to become more risk adverse than when you where younger.  This probably explains why people such as founders of Dell, Facebook and Google were young when they started their companies.  They didn't yet know they could fail.  You will never be a strong leader if you shy away from experiences.  Once you become a leader, you must encourage those that follow you, to be willing to touch the stove again.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I will trust in my experience and

show others how to trust in their experience, too."