First Step!

When the kids were small, we used to celebrate the end of summer with a little luncheon or picnic.   The most memorable was the summer that my daughter, Faith, was going into 1st grade.   It was at Applebee's and to commemorate I went "all out"...everyone got their own desert!   The table was covered with Molten Lava cake, Cherry Cheesecake and my favorite...Walnut Blondie - a delicious cake with ice cream and hot white chocolate maple syrup icing drizzled and served in a small cast iron skillet.   Ahhhhh...I need a moment!   In the middle of the grand finale, I noticed big tears coming from Faith.  I have learned with kids (and people) you don't always rush to ask what's wrong.  Sometimes they just need a moment...sometimes they need a "quiet" ear...sometimes they need help.   As the tears continued to flow, Natalie asked, "Are you ok?"   "No."   "What is it?" I asked trying to be compassionate as my blondie melted faster than I could eat it.   "I can't read."   The admission burst the dam and she sobbed all the more.  No one tried to console her, not even my young boys...we all instinctively knew this was one of those times she just needed to cry.   There is so much more to the story, but she ended up getting an award as the best reader in the school that year.  A week ago, she entered her Junior year (with only 2 semesters behind her) with a perfect 4.0 in Russian studies.  We just moved her and the dogs into her first place...she is amazing!   Think back to some First Steps in your life...your career.  I bet that you are still experiencing First Steps...right?   Today, I am doing a training webinar entitled - "Help!  It's My 1st AEP!"   Doesn't matter if you know what an AEP is or not (Annual Election Period), just understand that for a few hundred agents that will attend...it is a   First Step.   I have some people I work with in a call center (good morning Princess Warriors!) and some of them are going to get their insurance license today...good luck!  Some has passed already (congrats!)...that is a major   First Step.   My colleague in Trinidad is prepping her second book release.  Even if you have done something before but are doing it in a new way...it still requires a   First Step.   What is it about 1st steps that challenges us, scares us?    I always say that anxiety is 99% excitement and 1% fear of the unknown.  We take First Steps believing a positive change will occur in our lives, but that doesn't take the fear away.   Am I good enough?  Can I learn what we need to learn?  Am I wasting my time, money and energy?   If those are the thoughts going through your head, take comfort...you are normal...you are human.   Be encouraged....you can do this!  Say that to yourself 3 times...   I Can Do This!   Go on...say it!   That potent mix of excitement/fear coursing through your veins causes adrenaline (natures performance enhancement drug) to kick in.  Your blood pumps, the heart races, the lungs breath faster and deeper...your mind is alert...ready to take on the challenge of your next   First Step!    Go on...take it!   Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!