Archive for August, 2010

So, I didn’t get to post Part II of my last blog over the weekend as I said I would, because I was hoping to share the date of my television debut.

While I still don’t have the exact date, I was told it would air this week. Not that I expect my readers to get up before dawn to catch my 4:45 a.m. interview with Lee Nelson, but perhaps some of you might want to view the clip of it on the WCSH6 Morning Report website where it will be posted a few days after it airs.

Just know that it’s been a stretch, as in “growing edge”, for me to put this out to my readers, especially since I’ve not seen any of the three clips that will be aired over the next few weeks.

In looking back on this growing edge of mine to date, here’s what I’ve learned that might be useful to you:

1. When an invitation knocks, notice how you feel about it, not just what you think about it. If there’s excitement or exhilaration coupled with a sense of fear and trepidation, not dread, then perhaps you might consider it. Take a step toward the open door and see what’s across the threshold.

2. Recognize that you don’t have to go it alone. When you are presented with a “growing edge”, be kind to yourself and consider getting some help to tackle the challenge.

3. Let go of the outcome. Stay tuned in to the process and what you are learning along the way and try to detach from the end result. That way, you won’t set yourself up for disappointments in situations you cannot control.

4. Give yourself credit, no matter what, for being brave enough to try something new and leaving your comfort zone.

Since I’m still in process around my current growing edge of saying yes to a series of television interviews on WCSH6, I’m doing my best to practice #3,  as I remind myself of #4!

Oh, did I mention that the producer asked me back to tape another series next month? That invitation jumpstarted the learning process all over again…then I realized that growing edges don’t always get easier the second time around.

But, at least you can benefit from what worked to help you through them the first time!

In the mid 80’s, I attended a life-changing training called “The Empowerment Workshop“, where I learned the concept of a “growing edge”. No longer such a novel term, “growing edge” simply refers to a challenge that makes you feel excited and wanting to move ahead while also feeling a bit scared and hesitant at the same time.

I recently encountered a growing edge I’d like to share.

A phone message came in on a day that was full with client appointments with little time to devote to anything else. Still, I was intrigued by the caller, a news director at a local tv station who asked if I’d be interested in taping a few interviews for a new very early (as in 4:30am) morning news program as an area expert on work.

I felt exhilarated and anxious at the same time–it’s one thing to speak to an audience, another to be on camera with bright lights–letting me know that I’d come up against a growing edge. Given the potential for personal and professional growth this opportunity presented, I knew what I had to do: Not let my fear get the upper hand and step out of my comfort zone.

What I had learned in the training many years ago, still holds true today: If you focus on your fear, you are not likely to explore what’s exciting about the growing edge. I decided to be open and take this one step at a time.

First, I said yes and thank you to the invitation. Fear was at my heels, so I addressed the concern about being prepared by meeting with a media trainer and rehearsed a couple of mock interviews. That helped. Next, I asserted some control  and sent in a few interview questions and viewer tips that I hoped the station might decide to use during my interview. I received a good response from the producer and felt even more at ease. Then I tried to put it all aside until the day of the taping.

That was two weeks ago.

This morning, I awoke early, obsessed a bit over what to wear, and headed for the television studio for my tv debut. I reminded myself of a suggestion I often make to clients approaching an interview: identify three words that describe how you want to be in the interview and use them as mantras for that day. “Calm, engaging and articulate–yes, those would be my mantras”, I said to myself as I drove off for the tv studio…

I’ve had a chance to reflect on this morning’s experience, but see that I’m maxed out for words on this blog, so please stay tuned for part II! I promise the next installment this weekend.