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    The Procrastination Game    

      An accountant I know wants to improve her speaking ability. Gina often has to introduce herself in social and networking situations, and every time she tries, she's chagrined at the nervousness that overwhelms her. It's not her competence that's in question. She's very good at her profession, has no problem with tax returns, profit & loss statements, budgets or anything else financial that pertains to running a business, until she has to tell potential clients just how good she really is and why they should work with her. All of a sudden, she freezes and can hardly remember her own name.

     Gina would really like to speak to groups about how to protect themselves and their businesses. She sees so many entrepreneurs making financial missteps that could easily be corrected. Yet the thought of actually getting up and giving a speech ties her in knots. Most of her business is by referral, and now and then, as with all solopreneurs, the pipeline isn't as full as it should be, and that's when she wishes she could go out and offer her expertise to larger groups. For several years now she's been thinking about it... and thinking about it... and thinking about it. She's expert at playing the procrastination game.

      Thinking isn't doing. Gina admits that on this one issue she's a master procrastinator. She knows she could help so many more people if she could just get rid of that overwhelming fear of not knowing what to say or saying the wrong thing. Her business limps along while she dreams of being much more successful and providing more of the good life for herself and her family. But when it comes to actually doing something to overcome her fears, she procrastinates.

      Gina is not alone.

      People fear public speaking for a whole slew of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with actually making a speech. It could, of course, come from an unpleasant experience, often years ago, say when you were a kid in school and gave a report you thought was brilliant but the whole class laughed at you. Or maybe you forgot your speech in the middle at your bar/bat mitzvah or graduation or some other important occasion when you wanted to be perfect.

      Sometimes it's not a particular event that has robbed you of your self-confidence when it comes to speaking. Many people grew up in a family where their opinions weren't valued, where they were constantly compared to a sibling who was more accomplished and they suffered by comparison. Some people acquire a deep-seated feeling that what they have to stay isn't important or good enough, and that nobody wants to listen. They fear they won't be heard.

      For many it's a simple case of never having done it before, and stepping out of their comfort zone to try is too painful to think about. Not knowing in advance if we'll succeed or make a fool of ourselves stops some people cold. We plan, we prepare, we rehearse. That's the best we can do to predict the outcome. For some, taking that leap off the cliff and actually giving a speech is way too scary, so they continue to procrastinate because that feels safe.

       The sad part is that refusing to speak in public robs you of the joy of learning that you do have something to say. You have valuable knowledge to offer and people want to listen, learn from you, and admire you for sharing it with them. You are unique and your unique perspective is your gift to the world.

      Actually, you have a responsibility to give that gift to all who will listen. You'll be amazed, once you start speaking in public, how many there will be who do admire you, think your gift is valuable and will thank you for it.

      There's a whole new world out there just waiting for you. Give yourself a break! Stop playing the procrastination game. Grab hold of the joy of sharing your gift with the world. It's time!