Challenges

 Have you ever challenged yourself, or had someone else issue you a challenge? A challenge to stretch or step out of your comfort zone. How did you feel, did you succeed, and what did you learn from the challenge? I have a friend who is doing a 77-day challenge involving posting videos, usually between 1-4 minutes, each day. It was devised by a past World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix, as a challenge to be articulate, get over fear of speaking on camera, to improve speaking ability, and to commit to a goal. My friend is almost there and it will be interesting to hear his thoughts on it. I'm not sure if I will try, but I have done other things that fit into a challenge mode.

I was challenged at the start of my Toastmaster journey to be regular in giving speeches. Practicing a skill - practicing well - helps to build it. I had a mentor who said 'if you want to complete your Confident Communicator (first 10 speeches) this year, just schedule your self to speak every 4-5 weeks". I did and I completed that manual the first year. I continued the same process with the next manual, and then the next, and before you know it I had achieved my Distinguished Toastmaster award - the highest award in Toastmasters. It had become a regular habit, one that I continue to this day.

For me it is more than just stage time, having a regular presence up front. It is driven by my desire to make a difference in others lives. To resonate the messages that I feel are important out to people with listening ears. To educate, to encourage, to challenge, and to inspire. There are so many negative messages out there and they need to be counterbalanced with supportive and encouraging messages.

That is why for the past month I have been blogging, sharing thoughts. I didn't start on a special day, like New Year's, and I don't have a specific length to this challenge. I just started one day and decided that the best way to establish a habit was just to begin and do it every day. Somedays I share the link on twitter, others I share on Facebook. Over time they may appear on other forums. I would like to get comments and feedback. Eventually I am sure that will come. But in the meantime I know that this is helping me -especially in coming up with new ideas or angles to talk about. 

I hope my musings help those who read. And if so, please let me know. Thankss:)