Do what needs to be done.

Success or failure in business is caused more by mental attitude even than by mental capacity.” Banish the fear-attitude; acquire the confident attitude. And remember that the only way to acquire it is—to acquire it . — The Art Of Public Speaking: By Dale Carnegie

I love public speaking. Yes, I know I am weird, but I love it. I love the process of breaking a topic down in front of a room. I love telling stories. I just find it enjoyable.  

Was I always this way? Sort of. I can’t remember a time when I was afraid to stand up in front of a room. I do remember a time when I was not very good at it. Stage fright was not the problem…saying stupid things was.

How did I get better? I joined a Toastmasters club and spoke every time the opportunity presented itself. I have been in Toastmasters for over 10 years now. I have given hundreds of presentations during that time span. Some were still not great, but they got me to the next presentation. And then the next one.

I identify with the quote above when it comes to public speaking. With other things though? I have only lately become as determined. Yes, I am now going to talk about fitness for a few. How did you guess?

I have spent a lot of years wanting to be in better shape. It wasn’t until I got off my duff and got after it that things started to change. Like the quote above says, I got rid of the wrong attitude and acquired the right attitude. But, it came about through a lot of doing, not because I naturally felt that way.

From a fitness perspective I have a long way to go, but I have come a long way too. From a public speaking perspective I have a long way to go, but have come even further than I have with fitness. Every bit of it is a journey. The things I choose to tackle next will be as well.

If you remember one thing from this post, remember this: we get better by doing. So…do what needs to be done.