Simon T Bailey’s Blog

Recently, I was invited to be the closing general session speaker for the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare at their 38^th convention in Boston, MA.  As I was preparing my remarks, I saw on their website that I was following Jim Collins, bestselling author of “Good to Great” whose books have sold a bazillion, and James Carville, chief political strategist in the Clinton Administration. Oh, did I mention that they also had presentations by Michael and Kitty Dukakis, and Michael Kennedy.

Was I scared? If I said no, then I would be telling a white lie. (Whatever that means.)  Was I somewhat concerned? Absolutely. Why? I was walking in the footsteps of some of the most celebrated and recognized names in the United States. Now allow me to share with you the naked truth, I believe I was the youngest person to address this group of CEO’s, board members, senior executives, blah blah The client told me right before my presentation that they had looked at over 100 videotapes before they selected me.

All of these thoughts were running through my mind, but I had to shut them out and dig deep. This presentation had to be over the top and I had to look fear in the face and slap it into the next century. I know that is a bit dramatic. However, the point is my fear was rooted in feeling inadequate, and not good enough to exist in this rare air. Yes, it is true that it’s not who you are that blocks your brilliance from shining, it’s who you think you are not.

Right now, you may have a ton of opposition against you. Perhaps some of it is self-imposed. I invite you to take a long hard look and feed your belief in a better future and starve your fears to death. Do not feed into it. You are brilliant and it‘s time to shine.

Share This