The Reluctant Blogger - Embrace the Uncomfortable

About 7 years ago, I had a layover in the DFW airport and was walking to find my gate for my next flight. Looking around for food on the way, I passed a very tall gentleman and immediately recognized him as Bill Walton (RIP, Bill)! I couldn’t believe it. My husband is a huge fan, so of course, I called him. He said to me, go get his autograph! To which I replied, an emphatic, NO, I’m not going to do that. That is so intrusive, and what if he says no!

This past week, I attended the Grow 2025 conference in Arizona put on by Thryv. It was focused on small business and had a lineup of impressive speakers who poured into the attendees with so much practical advice – mostly around AI. One presenter, Jay Schwedelson, had great stories and advice and this message, that honestly is true for more than our adoption of AI: When we say…“But it makes me uncomfortable,” reframe the problem to:

1.        DO the uncomfortable thing first

2.        MOVE your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to”

3.        TAKE a lesson from Nike and “Just do it,” and

4.        MY personal favorite, “stupider people than you have done it”!

So, what makes you uncomfortable?

• Having tough conversations? Then, do it first thing in the morning.

• Giving feedback? Then, change your mindset from “I have to talk to them” to “I get to share valuable insights with someone who I care about, or who I want to see grow.”

• Asking for the promotion? Take a deep breath and DO IT – just ask!

• Sharing a new innovative idea? Well, not enough time to mention all the stupid people…and their ideas…but you get the gist. Nothing ventured, nothing, positively zero gained. BE BOLD!

  
  

Oh…so back to Bill Walton, I decided, what’s the worst that could happen? So, I walked up to him at his gate, (yes, he was waiting for his flight at the gate, not in the club lounge) and waited patiently for my turn. When the guy who was imparting his basketball wisdom (see #4 above), finally walked away, I said, “Hi, Mr. Walton, my husband is a huge fan, and today is his birthday (that was true), any chance I could get a quick picture?” Instead of no, he said, “Turn on your video!” I proceeded to capture a wonderful and unique birthday message video for my husband. He even sang a happy birthday ditty, as only Bill could do. It is the best birthday present my husband ever received.

Now, what if I had let my uncomfortableness win?