Introduction written by Christy Holland, President and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County.

Earlier this month, Lisa White Burns presented a fabulous break out session for Power Your Potential. In the blog below, she speaks candidly about the fear that creeped in after she had agreed to speak at the conference.

At first, we were surprised to hear that she had second thoughts let alone fear. I kid you not, she literally showed up at Power Your Potential smiling and full of energy. I never would have thought she had been nervous let along scared for a second. And let me tell you, she not only did a fabulous job presenting to over 50 women on the topic of - Getting Unstuck: What’s Really Holding You Back Financially? She was also an absolute dynamo meeting new people, connecting those she knew previously and those she had just met to one another. This woman actually did a reel in the parking lot about how excited she was to be there.  Plus, we have to mention that 50 women chose her presentation over 3 other breakout sessions. What if she had listened to the fear creeping in - instead of taking the next step to prepare and show up as her full vibrant self? Give her blog a read and consider what her experience may mean for you. I know we will do the same!

I Was So Afraid I Almost Bailed                               

Blog by Lisa White Burns, Founder of Her Path, LLC

Last week, I had an incredible experience speaking at the “Power Your Potential” Women’s Conference, hosted by The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County. But guess what? It almost didn’t happen. I seriously considered bailing several times. Let’s just say public speaking has had me absolutely terrified.

But when I was asked to lead a breakout session, I was so thrilled that I blurted out, “Of course I’ll speak!” Then I hung up and thought, “What the heck did I just do?!” I was beyond afraid and I truly wanted to call and cancel many times. But I had committed. And I knew if I wanted to get past this fear, I had to walk through it; not around it. And that got me thinking… Fear doesn’t always look like fear. Sometimes it looks like procrastination, overthinking, or waiting until you feel 110% certain.

And when it comes to our money, that can sound like: What if I make the wrong investment? What if I choose the wrong advisor? What if I make a mistake? So, we research. Google. ChatGPT. And think about it over and over. Until eventually, doing nothing feels safer than doing the wrong thing. You don’t need to make the perfect decision. You need to make a good, informed decision that keeps you moving forward.

So, this week, try this challenge:

▶️ Take one financial decision you’re afraid of getting wrong and give yourself permission to make a “good enough” decision.

▶️ Not a perfect decision. Not a risk-free decision. A good, informed decision based on what you know today.

The goal isn't to eliminate every possibility of making a mistake - or, in my case, to suddenly stop being afraid of public speaking. It's to stop letting that fear keep you from doing something you really want to do. Consider for yourself, when was one time that you were beyond afraid to do something but pushed yourself to walk through it; not around it? If something comes to mind, Let Lisa know on her Blog she will definitely understand!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-so-afraid-almost-bailed-lisa-white-burns-31ice/