Confidence Lesson – You Are Valuable

You are Valuable

When I was 11 years old, Mr. Lee asked me to come to a school for special needs children and assist him in teaching their class once a week.  I was supposed to hold targets and help the kids who were having trouble.  I was so excited but once I got there, my naturally shy personality went into full gear and it was like my mouth was stuck in the closed position and my brain turned off all intellectual thought.  I had my first taste of stage fright!  It wasn’t the last time I experienced it either.  There have been many times throughout my early career where my nerves took over and I was too frozen to think or speak.  I know, I know.  Some of you are reading this and are saying to yourself, “Sure, we really believe you are shy and that there are times when your mouth won’t work.   Yeah, right.”  Well, it’s true 🙂  Obviously I have learned to overcome that, however, experience and support from others is what really built my confidence.

One of the things that has built my confidence the most through the years is the belief that others had in me that, I could.  Mr. Lee was the first.  He took me aside after that first unsuccessful attempt at assisting him and guided me in the things I should say and do.  Different instructors over the years have done the same thing for me and I believe that is why I have confidence that I can pass that lesson forward.  I know what it is like to be ultra nervous, and I also know that if you really want something you can overcome that.  If you are one of those people who struggles a bit with nerves when you get up in front of a group, just know that the more you do it, the more confidence you will gain.  Just because you have a bit of stage fright does not mean you don’t have something valuable to offer and that others want to hear what you have to say.  You are valuable and you can overcome.

Master Character Lessons
Grand Master Amanda Illescas

Life Lessons to Compliment the Jr. Leadership Program Guide
A culmination of lessons learned as a Martial Artist and Instructor.
True stories of a life well lived, so far.
Grand Master Amanda Illescas

Amanda Olson-Illescas is an award-winning author and co-owner of Olson’s Martial Arts Academy in Johnson City, TN. She has over 40 years training and teaching in Martial Arts and has raised a team of instructors and leaders to continue her vision.  She teaches weekly in her studio and is passionate about equipping students of all ages to reach their full potential.  olsonsma@olsonsma.com

olsonsma@olsonsma.com

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