I truly hate putting myself out there. Sure, I’m vocal and stand strong when I believe in something, but every time, every single time, I have to wrench myself out of a deep hole to do it. I’m sure there are people out there who relish being the centre of attention, but I am absolutely not one of them.
Does that surprise you? See, there is this perception that social people are extroverts who love the limelight. While this may be true of many, it’s not true of all. It’s not true of me. I’m a loud, social introvert and it’s very draining to put myself out there.
But every time I do, I’m ever so glad.
Take this morning for example. I was at a parent information event at the school and there was a discussion around kids and social media and the programs in place to help guide our kids through the minefield (oh my, our poor kids). After the briefing on the school’s programs (which are exceptionally good), one of the mum’s asked if it was possible that the school could run a session for parents to show them how to use different social media platforms and make them safer for kids.
I had no idea that so many parents had no idea about social media. A light bulb went off for me and before I could think it through, my hand was up and I found myself saying that as a parenting writer and a social media manager, perhaps I could help that mum over a cup of tea. Then I said, “I’m open to any parent asking for my help in deciding what’s right for their kids.”
One thing led to another, and I think next year I’m going to be delivering a talk about social media to the parents at our school. Which I am thrilled to do because kids and social media are both a passion of mine and yet…
I’m out there now, aren’t I? Ever since I found my hand up in the air drawing attention to myself, I’ve been feeling so drained and even a touch foolish. I ‘tall poppy’ myself all the time. Because who am I to be the “expert” and who am I to guide other parents and who am I to have my hand up in the air getting all involved in the conversation? I feel rather exposed and silly, to be honest and yet…
The thing that makes me certain that I will go through with it is the fact that the school and parents were so quick to leap on the idea of having a fellow parent talk to them about this stuff. After the meeting five mums immediately came up to me desperately wanting advice and help. I realised that lots of parents really don’t know much about social media and that makes me worry about the kids and that makes me want to do whatever I can to help. My help is surely better than no help, right?
Point is, because I’m big and loud and a bit in-your-face, I come across as someone who eats social events for breakfast when really I’m more of a breakfast skipper. I know so many people feel scared to put their hand up for things because they feel they’re not ‘qualified enough’ or they’re not ‘expert enough’ or because bottom line, they’re just plain ‘not enough’ in general. I know those people because I am one of those people.
But I want to tell you to put your hand up anyway. It’s always worth offering to help wherever you can, whenever you can, however you can. We’ve got to speak up and be an active part in the communities we are raising our kids in. Fact is, you never know what you have to offer others until you offer it.
Did you catch these?
- Bad things happen when good people do nothing
- The truth about losing
- 10 tips for overcoming fear of change
Go Bron! I think you will smash it! You are so passionate about social media, parenting and screen-free time within families I’m sure it’ll come easily to you and be really informative and useful to so many parents 🙂 I am a somewhat anxious introvert, and so prefer to be standing back watching others then being in the limelight 🙂
Well-done Bron. I think the school is so fortunate to have you help with greater understanding of important issues.
I’ve been a “hand putter” up too & then go “arggh” but always glad when it goes ahead.
You have experience & expertise in the field while makes you an expert!
*which*
You & I kindred souls I think. So many people think I absolutely adore the limelight but the truth is I actually really prefer to avoid it at all costs. To the point where in past roles I have avoided people knowing that I played a part in something and not wanting to take the credit for things or down playing my abilities. The flip side of that is that i have found myself in situations whereby people have completely annihilated my work to my face not because they knew it was me but because they genuinely thought it was crap and not being in a position to defend the work!
I am perfectly happy sitting in a room with friends who are all doing their own thing be it on their lappy’s, knitting, crochet with the tv on in the background not talking at all. That is actually heaven to me. To other people it would seem very anti-social but it is the perfect balance of social and introvertedness for me xoxo
The school is lucky to have you. It’s definitely an area that you become blind to just how much you know when you are immersed in it. There is a tendency to think everyone is at that same level of understanding but it’s not the case and I’m sure everyone will learn so much.
I love this! Yes… being social can be very misleading… I struggle with this too. But like you say, it is so rewarding to do what challenges you. I have found myself running events, organising festivals, all kinds of things, because in the moment I am passionate and excited, and put myself out there, and then spend the next few months talking myself down. But they all go really well, and people are grateful. My daughter today told me her main aim in life was to be brave. And I thought that was perfect. x
Good for you for putting your hand up. I bet those Mums just want a chat and an understanding, not even an ‘expert’ (even though I am sure you are that expert!). I think things like social media are tricky for parents to admit to having no clue about, but they want to know and need to know about it.
I think an introverted, extroverted expert is ideal for the post!!
Stepping outside our comfort zone is such a challenging thing to do, especially for someone with introvert tendencies. I know first-hand how draining that can be! Good on you Bron. You’ll be perfect! I’d love to know what topics you’ll cover – our school could do with something like this.
It was you and our wise friend Kelly who made me realise that we often don’t recognise our own strengths and areas of expertise. We see our own involvement with social media or (insert other example here) and assume that everyone has that same level of involvement and knowledge. You’ll be great at this, Bron – good on you for putting your hand up. x
You have so much expertise in this area – the school and parents will be lucky to have your guidance. I was sitting at a networking breakfast last week (I don’t go to these things often, but a friend had asked me) and there was a panel discussion about lifestyle and balance, including a meditation expert, and it struck me clearly that I could have been on that panel if I put myself out there. Somehow I need to combine my ‘expertise’ in yoga and meditation and ideas on personal development with my communications background – especially since I was a TV newsreader in my former life – and put myself out there. Definitely a goal for next year.