We were lucky to catch up with Shonda Moralis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shonda, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a perfectionistic teen, I rarely tried anything new unless I felt confident I would succeed. I was deeply fearful of appearing foolish and avoided it at all costs.
Having started dance lessons at age three, I grew up comfortable moving my body on stage. Speaking in front of an audience, however, was another story entirely.
Fast forward to today. I’ve been interviewed on dozens of podcasts, regularly appear on live TV news segments, and keynote at large gatherings. Though nervous at the outset, I have learned to accept and manage the fear, which, gratefully, does lessen over time and with repetition. I’ve practiced reframing the nervousness as excitement, thereby shifting fear to motivation.
Because I am so passionate about supporting women’s well-being, empowering my audience with knowledge matters more to me than my fear. Being clear on my mission boosts my courage.
Rather than waiting until I feel completely ready, I’ve learned to consider action as an experiment. I ask myself what’s the worst that can happen? I expect mistakes, learn what I can from them, and move on.
I’ve come to see how owning my mistakes—whether it’s stumbling over a word while giving a keynote or creating a program that does not sell—makes me more human and relatable. And, hopefully, models that attitude of experimentation for others.
The more I step out of my comfort zone, the more it expands. What once felt terrifying to me now energizes and excites me. Having said that, adequate preparation is essential.
As someone who has historically liked to play it safe, I remind myself I don’t need to know where I am headed at all times. By intentionally remaining grounded in my values while adopting a curious, playful attitude, I typically remain on the right track.
It’s also helps to pause and take stock every so often. Reflecting on all that I’ve attempted and accomplished is motivating.
This is not to say confidence is now a non-issue. Quite the contrary. The more I endeavor to grow and challenge myself, the more self-doubt arises. Ultimately, it is how I view, embrace, and manage it that matters and continues to drive me forward.
I take inspiration from this quote from Madeleine Albright, “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am on a mission to help women struggling with perimenopause feel like themselves again so they get back to running the world.
My 7-week virtual group program, Reclaim Midlife, dives deep into all of the changes happening during this phase of life while teaching practical tools to recalibrate and thrive.
I offer Menopause at Work and Life Balance for Busy People workshops for organizations and corporations and am the author of award-winning Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms and Don’t Forget to Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women.
I live in Pennsylvania with my husband and two kids, love to play outside, endeavor to practice what I preach, and am perennially fascinated by what makes people tick.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Take (wise, measured) risks. (Experiment!)
Follow your curiosity.
Know what matters most (your personal values) and let them guide you.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I get outside into nature. Looking up at the vast sky, listening to the birds, breathing in the fresh air pulls me out of my own narrow focus, calms my nervous system, and reminds me that there is a much bigger world out there,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shondamoralis.net/
- Instagram: @shonda.moralis
- Facebook: @shonda.moralis.7
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonda-moralis-msw-lcsw-1b909356/
Image Credits
Elaine Zelker
The Experiment Publishing, New York, NY
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
