Anxious
I had a recent discussion about public speaking and the associated nervousness and anxiety. I know when I first became Chairman on the rodeo committee I would sweat bullets and get anxious before a meeting. During the four years as Chairman, there were times I would still get a little nervous but nothing like the first time. I contend everyone gets nervous and anxious in front of a crowd. I believe it to be a normal response. After all, the fear of failure and disappointment is alive and well in all of us.
Some people exude confidence no matter what, but I would bet a large stack of $20 dollar bills even the best of speakers get nervous in front of a crowd. I know Joel Osteen has mentioned it occasionally and have heard similar comments from professional comedians. You know the same thing goes through a musician’s head when they are performing in front of 70,000 people: “I hope I don’t forget the lyrics.” What about the pro athlete at the free throw line with an opportunity to win the game by making the shot? No matter how easy some can make it look, we all still get a little anxious.
I view anxiousness and nervousness as good things as they keep me thinking. I know eventually I will stumble on my words or say the wrong thing, and I am totally fine knowing I will make mistakes. When I learned to embrace the upcoming mistakes rather than burn cycles worrying about making a mistake, things became easier. So what if I mess up on my words at a meeting. I will make a joke out of the blunder and get a little laugh. Performance anxiety is a real thing, but I believe changing your thinking from “If I am going to make a mistake to when I am going to make a mistake,” you take some of the pressure off.
Learn to laugh at and with yourself, and watch how productive being anxious can be. Get anxious, get nervous, blush a little, and have fun with it.
Rodney - Anxious for the Next Goof Up
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