I always love the new year, it feels like a fresh start and an opportunity to make the upcoming year even better than the year before. Because of this sense of renewal, New Year’s Eve is definitely one of my favorite holidays. I don’t spend it out celebrating. Instead, I choose to spend New Year’s Eve in quiet reflection, looking back at the previous year and planning for the new year. Over time, I have compiled a process for reflection and have found the process to be invaluable. Here are four simple exercises followed by a reminder to celebrate your year: [Read more…] about Reflecting On Your Year
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8 Ways to Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking
When I was 29, I had a harrowing experience shortly after starting in my first executive-level position. I was working many long hours on complex but exciting projects, and had just finished leading a series of small group meetings in preparation for writing the next year’s corporate strategic plan. My boss had been on vacation for the past week and returned just in time for the annual company-wide meeting.
As we drove to the meeting, he turned to me and said, “Oh Monica, I was planning on having you talk briefly about the strategic planning process, if you don’t mind.”
My worst nightmare had come true. I was expected to speak on stage, alone, in front of more than 200 people with no time to prepare. I had taken a college speech class and was on the debate team in high school, but I had never presented in front of a large audience. Needless to say, I panicked.
[Read more…] about 8 Ways to Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking