Steve Jobs had a commanding presence. Dressed in black from head to toe, he captivated audiences and Apple devotees, who hung on his every word. 

If you’ve seen his very first television interview, you know that this signature stage presence was learned, not innate. In the early days, he was awful. 

Seriously, you couldn’t be worse than him, even if you’re an introvert and deathly afraid of public speaking.

In that first interview, Jobs sweat profusely, stared at his shoes, and almost never made eye contact with the interviewer. His nerves were palpable. It was almost painful to watch.

So what caused his transformation? 

Steve Jobs realized that he had no choice but to get better, much better, at public appearances if he wanted his vision to succeed. He had to sell his vision and products to crowds at conferences and in presentations. 

Did he get some coaching? Sure. But ultimately, it was up to him to perform. 

So how did Jobs go from awful to poised, polished, professional, and even captivating in his speaking appearances? 

Practice.

Yes, he was awful. Then the next time, still awful, but a little less so. And then time after time, through countless interviews and presentations, he gained that unshakeable, almost cocky, confidence he became known for. And you know how his story went- worldwide success and fame (not to mention a lot of money). 

What is the one thing you know you need help with to achieve the success you desire? That thing that maybe you dread or avoid even thinking about because you think you are awful at it… or would be if you tried?

What is it that is keeping you from getting what you want, reaching your goal, or living the life you could have, “if only…”?

How long are you going to avoid it?

Forever?

What is THAT going to cost you?  

Remember, cost is not just the effort or money you spend. The cost of inaction is equal to the benefit or reward you may have achieved by taking action. Sacrificing potential gains by not acting is a stealth cost that can add up fast. 

Stop costing yourself the life you want because you are avoiding something you aren’t good at or don’t feel confident doing. 

Ready?

1. Start with the basics. 

2. Set your expectations very low. You wouldn’t expect a toddler to go from crawling to a sprint. Give yourself some slack. 

3. Then START. 

Learn the fundamentals, then attack it. Will you be good at it right away? Probably not. In fact, your first few attempts may be down right awful. But with each practice session, you will be less awful. Then you will transition to good. 

Put in the hard work. 

Practice daily. 

Be patient with yourself.

Practice with focus. Practice with your goal in mind. Practice as if your life and livelihood depend on it.  (They just might.) Practice so that you not only get it right, but so much that you can’t possibly go wrong. Eventually, you will be great at this thing you avoided, and it will stop costing you your dreams.  

With your newfound skill will come confidence, genuine unshakeable confidence, which will make you even more comfortable and result in even greater results. People will think, Wow, she’s really great—what a natural!  Only you will know that it wasn’t natural at all.

There is a definition of “winner” that I really like. A “winner” does what needs to be done in order to be successful. This includes things you don’t like to do and aren’t very good at.

Practice like a “winner.”

Conquer that skill-one step at a time, notice the confidence you gain, and watch how your results transform.

Why are you still reading? Go. Go do it now!