When I was 12 years old I participated in a Boy Scout event where I had to chair a meeting.
On that day I lost my confidence when I went up the stage and an elder scoutmaster ran up
to me and instructed me to zip up my pants. The audience had a good laugh. I managed to
get through that evening and for a long time after that dreadful incident, I never wanted to
participate in any kind of workshop or training, where I had to stand up and communicate.
This lack of confidence hit me hard, not only where I had to stand up to present myself, but
also in the overall communication aspect in life. I spoke to very few people who came into
my life, including family members. The worst part of it was that I was getting used to it and
thought of it as the norm in my life.
In 1987, exactly 22 years after that incident, I enrolled in a Communication and Human
Relations Course in Singapore. It was a 12-week program that met once every week and
at every session the participants had to stand up in front of the group and present. I was
determined to come out of my shell and built up my self-esteem. It was an uphill battle in
the first couple of weeks but through encouragement, recognition and good coaching, I was
able to come out my inhibition, became a more confident communicator, gained friends
more easily, smiled more and was content with my achievement. So was the case with
many of the participants in the program, they were all getting out of their comfort zones
and overcoming fear. The confidence also helped me to put my stress and worry in the
proper perspective and gain a more positive outlook and live a more directed life.
Today I facilitate workshops and coach for a living. The point is that there comes a point in
your life when you need to move forward. Leave behind every challenge that stopped you
from moving forward. Walk out of your comfort zones and experience new opportunities
in life.
Doing so brings about happiness and fulfillment in life.
