Overcoming fear

I’ve known for a while now that I would be presenting a paper at work in front of people that had been in the industry for 20 years longer than I have. People who are subject experts being presented to by someone who’s been in the industry for just over a year. To say I was daunted and nervous was an understatement. I put off presenting, pushed out finishing the paper and even tried to just have my boss present it because of fear. Fear they would question my facts. Fear they would know a lot more than I did and call me out on mistakes. Fear that I would look stupid in front of these knowledgeable people.

 

The other day, I clicked over to fatmumslim and read her post on presenting in front of 200 people. I thought to myself that if someone who is just as nervous as I am, just as anxious as I am can present in front of 200 people for an hour, then surely I can present in front of 10 people for 10 minutes. After I read Fatmumslim’s post, I started to change my mindset and told myself I can do it and I will do it. I told myself that it doesn’t matter what the people in that meeting say – they all started somewhere too.

 

This morning was the presentation and I came to work with a sense of calm. 10am rolled around and I walked with my boss to the meeting room and was still calm. I was surprising myself! I sat down, listened to the start of the meeting and my heart beat started to race. I calmed myself down by thinking of the delicious lunch I’d be having today because by then this would be over and I would still be alive!

 

I presented, I got questions and no-one called me stupid. The feedback I got was helpful, not nasty.

 

It wasn’t so bad after all!

 

Me in 250 words

I am joining Jenni from Story of my Life for her 'Blog every day in May' challenge. This has come at a great time as I will be studying for my exam which is late May, so easy posts are just what I need ( I may or may not do every post though). Plus, the prompts are great and you will get to know me a bit better through these posts. If you want to join in, feel free. The more the merrier. 

Me in 250 words or less.

I am Rhiannon. A daughter, sister, aunt, girlfriend, friend and fur mummy.

I have 5 brothers, no sisters and one little nephew.

I lived in the outer suburbs of Sydney until I was 18, when I moved to Canberra  for Uni. I lasted 18 months in Canberra and then moved back to the Inner suburbs of Sydney where I still live today with my boyfriend, S of 6 years.

I have worked since I was 14 years old. Part time until I was 17 and full time since then. I have learnt a lot from my different jobs and they have helped shape the person I am today.

I don’t know where my life will take me, but that is a story still being written. For now, I am making the most of every situation, seeking out the positives and maintaining a happy and balanced lifestyle.  

Me, Myself and I

2 posts in one day, go me!

I'm linking for the Me, Myself and I link up..because..well, I like linkups! Plus this one is really fun.

1. What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

Hmm, that's a tough one. I pretty much attempt most things even if there is a chance I could fail. I guess this one could be learning to dance. I love watching people dance and seeing the graceful moves in ballet. If I was co-ordinated, this could be me!

via

2. If you only had six months to live, what would you do with the time?

I would spend it with my loved ones. I would take my dog on long, long walks each day and spend my time eating delicious foods. I might even take a month to travel and see sights I haven't seen before.

3. If a front page of a news article was written on you, what would the headline be?

Haha, who knows! "Girl from Sydney accused for loving her dog too much". Honestly, that is so unimaginative. I'm stumped.

4. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Inconsiderate people. They are everywhere and apply to everything. Light up a smoke in a busy street in Sydney while I am walking behind you? Inconsiderate. Pull out in front of me when driving without indicating? Inconsiderate. A bit of courtesy goes a long way.

5. What is your favourite chick flick movie?

I'm not sure if people would call this a chick flick, but I will for the purpose of this question - The Duchess. Hands down, the best film I have ever seen. Ever.