It was a cool September day and I was 9 years old.  Playing in my first Pop Warner Football game was a challenge.  Our team was called the Jets and we wore green.  It took place in Huntsville, AL where football was big, even at that level.  Heck, the South is really into football, especially high school.  My number was “17” and I was probably the smallest kid on the team.  I know, if you look at the pic to the right, you’d probably think that I’m really tough looking, right?  Hahaha!

All I know is that day was scary for all of us.  I remember my best friend, Curtis, who was absolutely frightened to get into the game.  After seeing the injuries occur and other kids crying, he shook with fear!  So, my name was called and I was excited and still nervous.  So I made it to the huddle, then we had our play.  That very first play for me from scrimmage was one I’d never forget.  I got hit hard and went down.  And you know what?  It wasn’t that bad!  So I got up and went after it.  I let out my martial arts training.. My warrior yell… And had fun.  I found my personal power.

Each of us have an internal strength that we may not know that we have.  I found mine again at that moment.  From that time on, getting hit in football wasn’t that bad.  Once we find that “Personal Power” within us for any situation and use it, the fear goes away.  We discover that what we feared wasn’t that bad.  So we simply go after it more until it becomes fun.  I did it with football and I did it with speaking in public.  Both of which I enjoy.  In fact, if you were to ask me to suit up for a game now, I would do it.  And those that know me in the public speaking arena, my mouth simply will “water at the chance” to speak.

Belief in yourself is what unleashes your personal power.  Action is a big part of realizing that it exists.  Once you take action on a belief that you can do it, then you will.  And you will time and again.  Believe it in your physiology as much as your mindset.  Both affect each other.  Carry your physical being as if you are powerful and your will be it.

By the way, even  a smile when confronted with a fear will help to defeat it.  So stand like a “Super Hero” and smile with intense belief that  you will conquer your fear and then take action to do it.

OOH RAH!!!

Bob