Public Speaking and going that extra…
This past weekend, I had my 11 Mile practice run for the APLA Disneyland 1/2 Marathon. It started out as it always does – the first few miles were a little difficult as my body warmed up. Then around the five mile mark, I was running smooth. It felt great to be out there.
At about the 8 Mile mark, something interesting happened. I felt all alone. Sure I was running with my group…but the dialogue in my head made it feel as if I was the only one out there. Loud internal dialogue asking me was this worth it? Can you do it? Don’t you feel that little pain in your left knee.
A constant barage of of negativity that made me feel I was out there by myself and the only way to stop it was to STOP. It was remarkable since I consider myself a very PMA type of person…Positive Mental Attitude. And yet I was my worst enemy.
I had to exert so much internal pressure for me to continue. My brain wanted to quit but my body wanted to continue. It got to such a point that I had to visualize the finish line as if I was entering the Roman Coliseum and everyone was cheering me on. I could hear the roar of the crowd and see the smiling faces – this kept me going.
I finished the race. My brain was done but my body could have went another six miles! Of course.
It is amazing how sometimes our brain will put so much doubt, worry, fear in what we do. Sometimes I wish I could remove my brain and wash out all the fear and doubt. Because when it comes right down to it – Our bodies, our souls can do a lot more than what our brains think we can do. This has been proven to me time and time again.
I want to thank Gail Bottomley, one of my Facebook friends, who shared the above video with me. We must, we have to push ourselves to new levels. Strive in the face of adversity.
When it comes to your public speaking and/or presentations – what is holding you back? I can tell you whatever it is…it is probably more an internal struggle than what really exists. As Mark Twain once said: “I’ve suffered a great many catastrophies in my life. Most of them never happened.”
I wish you well in your speaking endeavors. Go for what you want and what you dream.
Ciao,
Maurice
Great stuff! I felt that I was with you while you were running. I felt every single word that you said. When I watched the video. I felt very touched by what the coach said,”Don’t quit until you have nothing left”. In fact, I almost never quit in my life. Thanks for posting this, it is really great!
Hidi,
Thank you for your comment.
We should never give up. Go that extra distance mile!
Ciao,
Maurice