Preparation, Anticipation and Trust

Being prepared is good practice. Able to anticipate the next move is smart. Trusting oneself is key for success. Ever since I resurrected this blog, I take the time to reflect and understand myself a little better. At least,this is my current focus for this blog.

I must learn to let go and trust myself a little bit more. This is a cyclical exercise that I will have to remind myself whenever I can. There were 3 events that drew my attention to my desire to be more trusting and confident about myself.

The first was my major presentation to extravert audience, second was my one-on-one session with my yoga teacher and lastly, an epiphany while practicing on my piano.

 

I presented at 2 sales breakout session and each group has 30 sales people. I pitched to the sales representatives about a pilot financing program. I don't think I connected with the audience during the first session.  Before my second session, I told myself to relax, just let go and get through it. The second presentation was definitely better than the first. I had 2 person walking up to tell me the presentation was great.  I have to learn to trust myself more and let go when presenting.

I had two dry runs with my boss. My first dry run was dreadful despite all my preparation leading up to the first dry run. I wrote up the script then rehearse, rehearse and rehearse. 

My boss advised me to tell a story and get people excited about the pilot. He also pointed out that I was reading the slides. I got his points and at first, I was not convinced that I was reading the slides. I recorded my presentation and listen to it.  I was rigid and lack excitement. If I am not excited about what I am presenting why should others? I was determine to suck less at this opportunity. I went on YouTube to look at videos about "Steve Jobs Presentation" and tried to internalize the tips that I had accumulated through books and training. I rewrote my script ,injected enthusiasm when presenting and projected my voice. My second dry run went well and I also drew strength from my female colleagues. They listened to my presentation and gave me  good advise.  The point I want to get through to myself is that I have prepared and am ready. I seriously need to trust myself that I will come through.

Secondly, I am struggling with backbend at Yoga. My teacher pointed out that I flexed my hands too early while I was getting into the pose. I was in a hurry to get myself ready for the next sequence and inevitability put myself in a precarious position. Instead of letting my body naturally go into the position, I restricted my arm movement when I flexed my hands too early then I had to bend deeper and lowered my body more than required. I know the steps and yet for the fear of failing and getting ahead of myself are not helping at all. Again, I must remind myself that I know what I am doing and let nature takes its course.  

Lastly, finger position is important in transitioning from my keystroke to another while playing the piano and perhaps any musical instrument. I realized that I stiffened up many times while transition from keystrokes to another. I consciously reminded myself to relax and that I know my stuff, it was much easier to play afterwards.

Things would be so much easier and fun if I don't take things so seriously. A dash of trust and self confidence go a long way especially knowing that I am prepared for the challenges ahead. Sometimes, I make my life miserable for nothing.