Your Dream Isn’t That Scary (Recap of My First TEDx Talk)

In the audio version, I answer the question of how I got this opportunity. 

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After three weeks of practicing, stressing out, and every emotion you can imagine, I gave a 15-minute TEDx talk at TEDx Monta, Vista. The most surprising part was how quickly it was over.

I read books, watched lots of videos, and talked to other TEDx Speakers. The truth is once you get on stage all that stuff goes out the window. At that point, your practice is what helps you get through the talk without it sounding awkward.

The two things I was not ready for were how bright the lights would be, and having to hold a microphone. The lapel mics weren’t working with the system, so we had to go old school. They say the key to a good talk is your body movement, and with having to hold a microphone, my movements were limited. In the end, it all worked out.

My slides ROCKED! They were designed by Cory Jim from Empowered Presentations. I can’t wait for the video to release, I want you to see them now. Check out my slides: TEDx 4.13.15 widescreen.

The video should be released on TEDx’s YouTube channel within the next 30 days. I’m curious to see how it turns out. Whenever you do something like this, you always remember the 100 things that could have made it better, after you’re done. I kind of hate that feeling.

Touring California

With the talk over, I got to have fun in California. We don’t have a Chipotle’s in Maui, so one of the first things I did was get Chipotles! I have to be honest, I ate there twice, Then, the organizers of the TEDx conference gave me a gift certificate for $20 to Chipotles. I went two more times. Hey, don’t judge me, it’s been 14 months!

I also got to take a little day trip to San Francisco. I have never seen the Golden Gate Bridge, so I thought, “Why not?” It was magnificent! The cool thing about all of this is what I worked so hard to create: freedom.

I spent an entire week away from my business, and it was OK, I still generated income. I got the chance to speak at what is the pinnacle event for speakers and had fun doing it. I struggled for years getting here, but the struggle was worth it.

I also got a chance to meet some friends I’ve made online, in person! Big thank you to Renee Harris (and her husband Jonathan), Mary Kathryn Johnson, and Catharine Burhenne-Sanderson (and her husband and father).

Your Dream

Preparing for this opportunity was nerve-racking. I have spoken over 60 times, all over the world, but this stage and opportunity have the potential to reach millions. My talk could even end up on Netflix! While it’s scary, it was what I needed.

Chasing dreams is scary stuff. You’re trying to do things that are well outside of your comfort zone, and you could fail miserably. The alternative should be scarier. You could live your entire life playing it safe and end up dying with regret in your heart.

I have experienced so many amazing things these last four years. I’m convinced that too many of us dream to low. It doesn’t feel like it when things aren’t going as planned, but that’s life. I wish everything worked out how we want it too, but life isn’t a movie.

I just wanted to give you a recap of a cool experience and a little encouragement. You can and will live your dream if you do something about it.

Audio version:

What is one major dream you want to accomplish this year?