Standing in front of a group of people of somewhere between 200-250 in number, I was shaking in my shoes. I had double-checked to make sure they were polished because Mom always said, “The first place people look is your shoes to see if they are polished.” I was still shaking. My throat was dry. More and more people were filling the empty chairs. There was an air of anticipation and all these people had come to hear some motivational speaker that day–and that speaker was me.

I also checked my zipper. I was so afraid I would embarrass myself. I had never stood in front of this many people before. I had done a few small group meetings but nothing ever anything like this.

I was scared to death. The year was 1985. The expectations were high. I had contracted for this event and the fee was quite high. I had to perform and perform at my best. Keep in mind there were 500 eyeballs looking at me, each one saying to me, “ Impress me big guy; show me what I do not know.”

This was the very first of the hundreds of sessions, meetings and conferences that I have had the opportunity to speak at over the last 22 years. I would estimate that I have stood before more than 275,000 people in that time. Yes, I still check my shoes and my zipper and make sure my teeth and nails are clean. I still shake and sweat, too, as I prepare to speak to a group of people–honestly I do–and every time I have to tell myself, Bob, face your fear. Hit the fear head on. No one else is going to do it for you. Take action NOW.

Sincerely, years later, I am so glad I faced my fears on that first day so long ago. It was what launched my speaking career and the many friends and the wealth of experiences I have gained along the way have been absolutely priceless.