Should you do a Tedx Talk?

At the start of the month, I submitted a last-minute application for a Tedx talk. 

I had only seen the application link a few days before the application doors closed. It took several sessions for me to create an application that I thought was mildly thoughtful and interesting. I used zero AI (though I rarely turn to AI for my writing) 

But as soon as I pressed submit, the doubts rushed in

Surely someone who spent more time was 66% more prepared than I am, is going to get this spot

I had spent four hours working on my application 

Was that a complete waste of time?

And so here’s the question should you pitch even when you don't think you'll get it?

Or is pitching a skill that's reserved for when you're 99% certain that the deal is yours? 

You get the result you wanted or the lesson you needed

And here's the thing. If I don't get selected, I'll lose a good afternoon working on my talk

But here's what I gained even without being chosen by the organisers:

• I’m now clearer on my mission, where I'm going, and why. It allowed me to organise my big picture thoughts in a way my daily work doesn't often allow me to do

• As I visualised myself on the Tedx stage, my identity shifted. The more time you spend visualising a desired future, the more likely it is to happen (duh, it's called manifestation, look it up!!!)

• I do talks all the time, and yet there's something about a Tedx that feels pretty scary. But for those four hours, I stepped into the belief that I am a person capable of doing a Ted. I don't have to stop believing that just because they said no

• Rejection is like a muscle. Face rejection, and your ability to handle it gets stronger. Avoid rejection, and your ability to bounce back atrophies. (see anti fragile)

• I developed a talk idea I can pitch to other outlets, I can turn it into content

• I might get feedback from the organisers on what they're looking for, so I can apply next year with more insight

It’s not cringe to try

One thing I hate is watching creatives throw their talents away because they're standing at the bus stop, waving their hands, claiming they want success, but they never take the steps to get it 

In a world where people won't run for the bus out of fear of embarrassment, I'm running.

I'm huffing and puffing, I'm sweaty and jiggly, tits flying in opposite directions. There is dried sweat patches on my shirt from where I've tried before and failed. I'll happily miss 22 buses if it means I might make it on the 23rd. 

I don't care if people see me trying. The people sitting cosily on the bus know what it takes to make it

 It's only the people on the sidewalk, waiting for a miracle that isn't coming, who will judge you for your effort

Let them watch. Let them laugh. I'll laugh last. You and I will laugh last 

Side note: There's also this crazy thing that happens when you put out the energy of wanting something and trying to the universe, that energy always comes back to you 

Sometimes, in the way you imagined would. But often in ways you had no idea were even possible 

This is why I wear my New Balance and Salomons everywhere. Gimme your hand because we are RUNNING for that 257