Public Speaking, anyone?
I’d planned as well as I could. This included writing out a full script in case I lost my way.
I’m still scarred from the horror of watching a colleague completely freeze in front of a boardroom full of clients and colleagues years ago, as she completely lost her way during her talk and ended up silently walking out midway through.
It was the stuff of nightmares. I was on immediately after her, so couldn’t even check if she was ok. Ever since that day, I’ve made fairly detailed notes before any presentation so, if all else fails, I can at least read the notes and muddle through. Some people can pitch up and just talk really well, with no prompts. I’m not one of those people. And that’s ok.
The Dinner Party
Picture the scene.
You’re in your favourite restaurant with your best friend.
It’s December 2024 and you’re celebrating the fact that you’ve FINALLY achieved your dream goal! As this is a really special occasion, you’re pushing the boat out and having three courses plus your favourite bottle; no expense spared.
The question for you today is – what will you be celebrating?
Do you have a goal for the year that will warrant a slap-up meal celebration?
Or are you going to carry on as you are and hope for the best?
If you don’t know what you want to celebrate by the end of the year, then how will it ever happen?
Are you having fun?
I’m currently reading “Feel Good Productivity” by Ali Abdaal. In chapter one, Abdaal talks about how having fun is likely to make you more productive and happy at work. He suggests that, when approaching a task we’re less than enthusiastic about, we ask ourselves a question:
“What would this look like if it were fun?”
I really like this idea. Fun, however, can be hard to come by in the first week of January. After all, it’s the week when we take down the Christmas decorations, come back to work and eat only vegetables after what is for many a fortnight-long cheese and booze-fest. The party’s over, so where’s the fun in that?