Whenever I’m starting an exciting new project, my mind always flashes back across all of the people who helped me get here, today.
It’s kinda like a Rocky Balboa training montage. You know what I’m talking about. 😉
My current project? It’s big. It’s scary. It’s a brand-new webTV series that I’m writing, producing and (gulp!) starring in.
One mentor who helped me get here? Her name is Gail Larsen. She’s a public speaking coach. And one day, many years ago, she gave me one (bizarre) piece of advice that has never left my heart.
Put simply? She gave me permission to cry onstage.
More than permission — she basically insisted upon it.
“Why are you holding back your tears?” she asked, while I was practicing a keynote speech about a deeply-emotional family story. “Why not let them see you cry?”
“Seriously?” I said. “But isn’t that, like, totally unprofessional and sloppy?”
“You’re not going to have a nervous breakdown right there, on stage,” she laughed. “But if you’re moved, be moved. If you’re vulnerable, be vulnerable. That’s how you connect. That’s how you make an impact.”
Her words have stayed with me, through the years. They’ve shaped the way I write, coach, tell stories and market my work.
Because of that ONE piece of advice, I am better at everything I do.
And for me? That’s the power of intimate, personalized coaching.
Getting that ONE simple (and often surprising) slice of wisdom that changes everything.
My question for you today is:
What’s one simple, surprising slice of wisdom that changed everything for YOU? Who gave it to you? And is it time to reach out and say “thank you?”
On a related note: a happy announcement! Want to get to know Gail? Join her annual Holy Fool's Day Celebration on April 1st, where she invites you to break with convention and become the radical change artist your soul is asking you to be! Along with seven Holy Fools and Transformational Speakers, Gail will show you how to reignite your passion for shining the light of your truth, without fear and without apology. Click here for details and to register for this free event.
xoxo.
Susan
