This blog was written entirely without the use of AI.

Keep Going

Sometimes, just sometimes, it all feels like a bit too much. Too much work, too many demands, too many arguments to fix, too much exercise to do, too many issues to resolve. I could go on. I sit and wonder why I feel so tired, why I want to just crawl away from the world and hide in my room. Maybe just curl up in the sunny spot in the armchair, perhaps even dare to – whisper it – read a few pages of a book. I gaze wistfully at the chair, then remind myself I can’t stop. Because if I stop doing the necessary things, they just won’t get done. And that might be OK, at least for a day or two, but it’s not just about me. I have my children to consider. I also have to ensure I don’t fall into a self-fulfilling prophecy regarding my illness, this heineous disease I can’t eradicate. It doesn’t matter how much I wish it were different, it’s here and here to stay. All I can do is this damned exercise. Focus. Focus on the good stuff, the happy days, laughter, fun and despite everthing, take a deep breath and keep going.

But it’s Hard

It’s not always easy, but then, when was the last time you achieved anything of real value done with complete ease? Of course it’s hard. If it were that simple the self-help bookshelf would be empty. Yet instead, I note it’s rather full. But here’s the thing. Reading about how to succeed isn’t going to give you success. You have to actually follow through. Make good on those promises and actually do the stuff you read about. Otherwise you’ll always just be planning, preparing, reading, researching. You need to do. Stop procrastinating, stop complaining and actually get on with it.

Getting On With It

The irony that I need to follow my own advice, especially when it comes to my own public speaking plans is not lost on me. For too long I’ve languished, making excuses, and what’s worse, I even know why.

Failure

I’m scared of failure. Not making it, always watching from the sidelines and enviously critiquing other self made keynote speakers, whilst hiding my own light under a canopy of fear. But it’s often said that the only thing to fear is fear itself. I’ve never liked that, but perhaps that’s because it’s true. So watch out world, I’m sharpening my tools, whipping up some motivation for myself and I’m going to get out there and whip up some excitement for my own brand of inspirational talks. Because it’s not going to happen while I’m hiding away in my office.

Let’s go.