I had a professional breakthrough last week. It was so subtle that it took me a few days to even realize it.
It all started when I decided to put more attention to offering keynotes along with the seminars I already give. (A keynote address is an inspirational talk often given at an organization’s annual conference or meeting.) I was considering the title “Radical Optimism.”
A flood of ideas, questions and to-do items overwhelmed me: Do I design the keynote first I’ll need a video sample I want to sign up with Speaker’s Bureaus to market the keynote I could write a book of the same topic Should I write the book first I’ve started a book before and stopped will I do that again will that be demoralizing?
In the past I’ve noticed that surges of creativity often bring anxiety along with them. Joy and discomfort wrestle in my psyche. And the discomfort of not knowing where to start can stop the project right at the beginning.
This time, I realized that I couldn’t figure out next steps on my own. I knew I needed help. I made a commitment in the following week to find help resources. So far I’ve called a professional book mentor and listened to an hour teleseminar on building a keynote address from scratch. It’s a good start and infinitely better than quitting, don’t you think?
Thanks for being a witness to my breakthrough. Now it’s your turn to think: is there an area of your life that is confusing to you? Do you need the advice of an expert? I’d love to hear your thoughts (and may even have a great referral for you).
I’ve changed!
Psst! Here’s a post from October 2008 about Radical Optimism.