You know that kid who kept the training wheels on her bicycle for a bit too long?
That was me.
Although I could ride without them and even though they slowed me down, I liked knowing they were there.
Decades later, not much had changed.
I still have a hard time letting go of safety nets.
I gave four presentations in the last two weeks.
Like always, I showed up with my notes in tow.
Although I can present without them, and even though they can be somewhat distracting, I like knowing that my notes are there.
Unfortunately, knowing that they’re there only forces me to rely on them even more.
All was upended two weeks ago when a projector connection setting prevented me from using power point in presentation mode – where all my notes were held.
I had no choice but to ride without the training wheels.
So I did.
Because I wasn’t able to lean on my crutches notes, I had to rely on my knowledge.
So, instead of pretending not to be reading presenting, I simply spoke.
It was so much more personable.
And engaging.
And, personally, quite liberating.
The experience made me realize how foolish I’d been depending on something I never really needed in the first place.
So I tossed my notes – for good.
In fact, I discarded all crutches, training wheels and security blankets.
Better to fail with responsibility than sail with dependency.
#nocountdownnecessary