The Inferiority Complex

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt


I recently heard this, and it struck a chord in me.  I also wrote about it in my blog at work, so if you read that, this may be somewhat similar.  I wanted to blog about it at home too.  I spent three days last week in a class called TrainerTalk.  TrainerTalk is supposed to change your mindset about training/presentations, transforming your attitude, techniques and outcomes!  I will say it was inspiring.


This is material that Target has licensed from an external company - Bergerac - and it's supposed to be impactful.  Every time I mentioned I was going to Bergerac, someone would say "Oooooh, have FUN."  Like I was supposed to know what that meant.


It was a fantastic training, and I learned so much during these three days.  I can't even remember it all!  I learned about presenting yourself in an open position, with your arms out at your sides.  Almost like hugging your audience - instead of how we often present with our hands clasped in a fist in front of us.  The fist is a mechanism we use to make ourselves feel smaller, less important, inferior.


I was taped numerous times over the course of the three days, andhad to tell myself, "Allison, just go with it."  We also talked about that awful person who sits perched on our shoulder during challenges - the Inner Critic.  The Inner Critic creates so much unnecessary worry, shame, confusion during a presentation.  We think we look stupid.  We think we are inferior.  We think we can't do it.


Eleanor Roosevelt's quote reminds me of a lot of things I learned at TrainerTalk.  First and foremost, it's up to each of us to silence our own Inner Critic.  We each have a lot to offer.  I realize that when I'm training, sometimes I don't think what I have to say is important.  But it is, or I wouldn't be doing it!  Take the time, open your arms, take a deep breath, face your audience.  YOU can do it.