I wanted to be like my Dad

One day our teacher asked us to paint pictures of what we dreamed about being when we grew up. 

I was on a huge stage speaking to a massive crowd and all I kept thinking about as I was painting was my Dad.

He was a trial lawyer and then was elected to Congress from Pittsburgh. He could walk into any room and talk to everybody.

I was so in awe of him.

He took me campaigning with him to local bar-b-qs, street festivals and Pirate baseball games.

People would ask,” Do you want to be like your Dad someday?”

And I’d mumble “maybe” but I’d think I don't know if I can because I’m so terrified of talking to anybody anywhere.

Like when I had to give a presentation to the school about who was going to win the annual tug-of-war contest.

I thought okay, you’ve got it. You’ve seen Dad do this all the time.

I'm opening the gym doors and I think you don't got it. Your hands are sweating. Your body's itching. Your face is red. I barely make it through.

After that I knew I didn’t want to do more public speaking anytime soon but I still had this thing in my head that I was going to be like my Dad.

So I tried something that seemed less scary. I talked to employees at the post office, the gas station, and the grocery store about their families, sports, the weather.

I got comfortable just having conversations with people – crucial for effective public speaking.

That’s how bravery starts – by practicing small brave actions.

To learn more about how you can be a brave leader see Are leaders born brave? — Jim Moorhead

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