I'm not afraid

This blog post at Library Revolution reminded me of my post back in October about an article by Martha Beck called "The Cure for Self-Consciousness."

Emily at Library Revolution decided that, instead of resolutions, she would choose a mantra for 2008 instead. Her mantra: I'm Not Afraid.

"Afraid of what?

* Of change
* Of taking chances
* Of trying new things
* Of reassessing old things
* Of making tough choices
* Of sticking my neck out
* Of being wrong
* Of pissing off some people
* Of failure
* Of success"

The Martha Beck article included a tip for defeating self-consciousness called, "Ask yourself the Universal Question." The question: So?

Beck elaborated, "There are endless applications for the Universal Question. I suggest using it every time you feel yourself hesitating to do something that might deepen or broaden your life. The answer to the question "So?" is almost always "Well, when you put it that way…" It pushes us into the spotlight, showing us we can survive there and freeing us to act on our best instincts."

Both of these methods for dealing with fear and anxiety can be effective, if you're willing to give them a try.

How are you dealing with your self-consciousness and fear of public speaking this year?

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