This is what happened when I confronted my fear the last time

In early 2019, I had the chance to confront one of my long-standing fears and step out of my comfort zone.

It was during the announcement ceremony of the 26th World Volunteer Conference which is set to happen next year in Abu Dhabi.

I was called in 2 days prior to the ceremony and offered to take on the role of MC/Host and panel discussion facilitator in short notice. I am comfortable hosting and speaking in public events and do so professionally. However, I've always been reluctant to speak in Arabic.

I know it sounds strange coming from an Arabic speaker who studied in Arabic speaking schools, but working in the private sector for the last 20 years and communicating mainly in English had made me reluctant for so long.

This time it would be in front of a minister: H.E. Hessa Buhumaid, and a few other senior Officials.

Long story short; I eventually nailed it!

Not only delivering the speech in classical Arabic (Fus'ha) but also managing a crisis during the ceremony where I had to facilitate the panel discussion in both English and Arabic and on top of that translating English to Arabic off the top of my head to the audience (A segment refused to wear the Translator's headset).

Here’s a question for you to ponder on, when was the last time you stepped out of YOUR comfort zone?

Do you feel your comfort zone could potentially be stopping you from achieving so much more?

Food For Thought.