The theme this year at the Professional Organizer’s Conference (POC) was GROW and grow I feel I most definitely did. The key-note speakers at this year’s event were Tanya Chernova and Joanna Andros of Courageous Living. They were dynamic and fun and had some really great information to share with us regarding how to discover the limiting beliefs that hold us back from success and how to overcome them. They were there to encourage us to leap beyond our comfort zones and gain the Courage to Succeed!
In life’s defining moments, the ability to reach for what you want, relies on COURAGE.
COURAGE is your natural energy force that propels you beyond your fears into a realm where anything is possible.
I listened intently to what they had to say because truthfully I do let my fears control me sometimes. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of losing control. At the same time though being aware of this fact has helped me recognize these fears for what they are….limiting beliefs and nothing more. They are what hold me back from going to the next level.
Whatever you believe about yourself, you will prove yourself right.
One of my limiting beliefs that I held on to for a long time was that I wasn’t a public speaker. In fact I had convinced myself that I was a terrible public speaker and therefore shouldn’t do it. Then I received an email from POC soliciting proposals from those wishing to speak at the POC Conference. The thought of doing something this courageous was so far out of my comfort zone I wouldn’t even consider the possibility. I could give you a whole list of reasons why it was a bad idea and I would have most definitely proved myself right. Negative in = negative out.
COURAGE is not the absence of fear….but the decision that something else is more important than fear.
According to Tanya and Joanna the 4 steps to action in spite of your fear are:
- Accept the limiting “conversation” playing in your head
- Decode it for what it is
- Set a courageous actionable goal for yourself
- Act powerfully now
Well that’s what I did. With the aid of a little positive coaching from my sweet organizer friend, Margarita I decided to push past the fear and submit a proposal. That was the hardest part for me, not the waiting to see if I was accepted, not even the actual speaking. The hardest part for me was taking that first step towards believing in myself. Once I conquered that I knew I could conquer whatever else came my way. And guess what? I did it and you can too!
Reach for something greater, create new possibility for yourself.
Kathy says
I so envy you. I crave to be organized (especially since I’m a Teacher) but I fail at it. Miserably.
Do you use Twitter?
Queen B says
Good for you! Your example is so encouraging. Negative In = Negative Out… I’ll be working on that.
Janet says
I am a teacher too and just can’t seem to get it all together.
A Chelsea Morning says
What an encouraging post, Laura. There are so many lessons to be learned here. Hooray for you, for pushing past your comfort zone and doing something you didn’t think you could do. I have a feeling you did it very well, too.
Virtually Organized says
Congratulations on conquering your fear! And thanks for spreading the word about courage. It’s a lesson we all need to hear.
Virtually Organized says
Congratulations on conquering your fear! And thanks for spreading the word about courage. It’s a lesson we all need to hear.
Debbie
Bev@1-2-3GetOrganize says
What great information to share! Very motivating and inspirational! How exciting you were able to step beyond the fear and conquer it! Such a liberating step, I’ve found when I’ve mustered up my courage. And it produces more courage, as well. I’m sure it will lead you to wonderful paths. 🙂
Niki says
I never realized you were not comfortable with it. Being front row in your presentation you definately did not let it show. Each one gets easier and easier…next thing you know you are addicted….well maybe not that extreme.
Marci says
I had no idea there was such thing as a professional organizer conference! I’ll bet you were in heaven! 🙂 Thanks for the inspirational post!
Kim says
You continue to amaze and inspire me – and remind me that fear is a feeling that follows a thought. Changing our thought patterns sure makes a BIG difference in how we feel towards things. I love you and I am soooooo proud of you! K.
Lori L. says
This is great, Laura! There is nothing like starting a business, or trying to grow one, that will make you aware of how many low opinions you have of yourself. Know this firsthand!
I truly believe success has a lot to do with how you view fear. When I feel afraid of the next step, I have to actually stop and remember that it’s all in my head. It’s really really hard to overcome these feelings!!
Thanks for the encouraging post 🙂
Suzie says
I love the courage quote!!!
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AmyDe says
God is speaking to me from every direction today. Courage and confidence messages abound and I hear His voice. Thank you for sharing. It comes when needed most. Here’s a link for you:
http://millionairemommynextdoor.com/2008/11/is-your-but-too-big/
Jerri says
I do truly believe your quote: Whatever you believe about yourself, you will prove yourself right. I’ve seen it happen over and over.
momstheword says
Good for you for stepping forward on faith and pushing thru. I love to blah, blah, blah about organizing too (and being frugal and homemaking) but it would indeed be scary to give a speech about it!
Organizing Mommy says
Am I nuts or what,, but I LOVE getting up in front of people and speaking. You knew I was half baked. You have so much to share, you should never be fearful or discouraged.
Blessings!
Susanne says
Good for you, Laura. I know that was a huge step.
Laura Jane says
Hi, this is my first time commenting on your blog, and I just want to say that this is such an encouraging post, and I think it’s so true. Here’s a quote about courage that I really like:
“Courage is the greatest of all the virtues. Because if you haven’t courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.” Samuel Johnson
TJ says
That was very encouraging! Thank you.
Also I would like to invite you and your readers to participate in my blog’s giveaway over at tjssweethome.blogspot.com. Thanks for sharing!
Maribel says
Thank you for this post…I had a crazy day yesterday when things just came together and screamed at me to conquer my fear and show some courage and I did.