How many opportunities do you think you pass by in one day, simply because you refused to take that one step out of your comfort zone.
Allow me to let you into a little secret, I am an unequivocally shy person, and last academic year, my school, Carshalton High School for Girls participated in the First Give project - an organisation which encourages children in schools to help raise funds and awareness for charities as well as boosting their confidence. As per, I was absent on the day all the decisions were made and consequently I was given the role no one else wished to undertake, I was elected team leader, which meant i was required to do a vast majority of the speaking. After hours of preparation, consistently re-scheduled meet-ups and a number of rehearsals in front of the mirror, it came down to the crunch. Now because I am such a shy person, I was not entirely convinced that those around me, believed in me whole-heartedly, nonetheless I walked on stage with my group, took the mic from my teacher got into position.
I held the mic up to my lips, hands tremblinng, legs wobbling, and, I spoke.
It took just under five seconds for me to realise that this was actually incredibly fun. The seemingly 'hard to please' audience were laughing at my jokes rather than at me - I hope! And I was doing well. Later, I was approached by Tim Pare - founder of the First Give organisation- who asked me to act as Master of Ceremonies for the very first, First Give awards ceremony.
I was enthralled. To think I would have passed by such a fantastic opportunity, simply due to my shyness.
Thinking back, the fact that I acted as Master of Ceremonies for this event was one of the main reasons for my being selected for my work experience.
The moral of this rather long story?
NEVER be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, its okay to make mistakes.
How can you expect opportunity to come knocking if you don't build the door for it to do so?
