Overcome a fear (like public speaking).

“All week leading up to my first class, I kept thinking of excuses and ways to get out of it. But I also knew that the more I prepared, the better it would go. So I practiced and practiced even though I was terrified. It was a 3-hour presentation, and I kept thinking, “People are going to be staring at me this whole time!” But here’s what happened: Once I got started, the nerves were there, sure but within the first 15–20 minutes, they melted away. It’s like a switch flipped. I found myself getting more comfortable, more confident. I made eye contact. I could read the room, see when someone looked confused or curious, and I responded in the moment. I was engaged. And, believe it or not, I started having fun.”

“Did these tips completely cure my fear of public speaking? Definitely not. I still have a a lot of anxiety leading up to every talk, and the 15 or 20 minutes before I walk onstage are always a rush of adrenaline as I do last-minute preparations and try not to think about all of the things that could go wrong. But reframing how I looked at the entire experience — and how I viewed myself as a speaker — took almost all the edge off of that fear. Getting up in front of dozens or hundreds of strangers and trying to convince them all I’m an expert on something is hard. Chatting with friends (in what is hopefully an entertaining way) about something I think is super cool for 30-45 minutes is far, far easier.”