But I've been learning that actually becoming one is a whole different story.
Speaking has been one of the most humbling, challenging, and surprisingly FUN adventures I've taken on.
And it's reminded me of something I've experienced just about every time I've tried something new.
It's really easy to fall in love with the idea of being great at something. It's a whole lot harder to fall in love with the process of getting there.
Watching the pros, feeling like a rookie
I remember stepping into this world and realizing just how much I didn't know.
Watching incredible speakers command a room, connect with an audience, and make the whole thing look effortless.
And then there's me, trying to remember what I wanted to say next.
There have been moments when I've felt incredibly confident.
And others where I've walked away thinking, "Well... that could've gone better."
The awkward reps are the point
But here's what I've started to appreciate.
Those moments aren't interruptions to the journey. They ARE the journey.
Every awkward moment, every missed opportunity, every presentation that didn't go quite as planned has given me something to learn from.
And the funny thing is, I've actually started to enjoy those moments.
Not necessarily while they're happening.
But afterward, when I get to reflect, make adjustments, and see what I can do differently next time.
It's become less about proving that I'm good at something and more about discovering just how good I can become.
And I've realized that the people I admire most aren't necessarily the ones who make everything look easy.
They're the ones who have been willing to look inexperienced, make mistakes, get humbled, and keep showing up long enough to develop the skills that make it look easy.
Bigger rooms, new things to figure out
The more I experience this, the more I realize that the challenges don't disappear as you get better.
They just evolve.
Bigger opportunities. Bigger rooms. Bigger expectations.
And with them, a whole new set of things to figure out.
But that's also what makes the journey exciting.
Maybe being the Big Dawg isn't about reaching a point where you no longer get humbled.
Maybe it's about becoming someone who actually welcomes the opportunity to be humbled, because you know that's where the growth happens.
Anyway, I'm still out here collecting reps, learning lessons, and enjoying the ride.
Big Dawg in training!
What's something you've been wanting to try but haven't quite worked up the courage to jump into yet?
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“Those moments aren't interruptions to the journey. They ARE the journey.”
“It's become less about proving that I'm good at something and more about discovering just how good I can become.”
“The challenges don't disappear as you get better. They just evolve.”