Photo by over_kind_man We didn't have this view at our game. We didn't have the Speedos either. :)
Line Judging ~
Although nervous I would mess up, I only had to make a few calls and the game went fine. Thankfully, I remembered the hand gestures properly and didn't make any mistakes. When the game was over, I felt good that I'd been able to contribute, and it really had been easy.
So why had I resisted so much?
I didn't want the responsibility. I didn't want to mess up. I didn't want to have to pay attention to anything but cheering on the team.
Critiquing ~
I thought about how similar my reaction to line judging and to performing my first critique for another writer were. I'd agreed to read and give feedback on a friend's chapters yet I'd never done it before. I was scared I'd mess up. I didn't want the responsibility. I didn't want to have to say anything negative--I wanted to be able to cheer the author on. But after I sent the author the critique, I felt good. I'd been able to contribute to the writer's understanding of her novel, and it had been easy.
It's been years since I did my first critique, and I still enjoy critiquing very much. Plus, all the practice has made me confident in my ability to give a fair assessment.
Strength ~
I've always been more gutsy when it comes to my writing career. I'm willing to take chances and be uncomfortable because I want to be published. The risks I've taken have helped me try more things in my personal life too, like agreeing to be a line judge for a game I've never played.
It's amazing how every step we take affects the other steps we'll take.
Have you become stronger in personal areas due to taking chances in your professional life?
Have a fabulous weekend!!
