A few weeks ago, I did reporting for a local poker tournament in Minnesota.
I do this occasionally because I enjoy it — even though as a player, it’s sort of embarrassing to be with all of these players who are asking me why I’m not playing.
It can feel a bit humbling and embarrassing, frankly. Not in a way that reflects on the job (it’s tougher than you think to do it well as a one-person crew), but it’s like being a ball boy at a tennis match when you don’t make the cut for the tournament.
It reminded me of being a young actuary, still trying to provide income, and I took tickets at the state fair as a part-time job. I kept thinking “please no one I know come through my line.” But actually, I enjoyed it so I kept doing it.
I learned a lot about my privilege during these times, but I also learned that there is this force/feeling called embarrassment that can keep us from things we really enjoy.
This is a reminder that it’s okay to feel embarrassed. In fact, sometimes it’s actually beneficial for your growth.
In my last keynote, I actually sang! I’m not a great singer but it was the right message with the right feeling that needed to be done.
It brought me joy although I was a little embarrassed — but the crowd reaction made me know I made the right choice.
Let me be your cheering audience when you put joy before embarrassment.
It’s tough, I know… but this is part of The Safari Way of living!
Steve Fredlund, The Safari Dude
Life is an adventure. Make it epic.
Shoot me an email, connect on LinkedIn, subscribe on YouTube, consider coaching, find me at a conference, or whatever makes sense in your world.
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is The Safari Dude. As a professional actuary in human resources analytics, he uncovered surprising factors that enhance employee engagement, and work enjoyment; key elements for effectiveness, enhanced retention, productivity, and organizational success.
Minnesota to Rwanda, nonprofit to corporate, start-ups to Fortune 500 companies he brings to your event thirty years of leadership success. Steve’s personal safari mission is to help great leaders and their teams enjoy an epic safari by getting the right peeps in their jeeps and in the right seats.
