In that moment, standing on the iconic red circle with the lights shining down, two versions of me met. The one who had spent years as a coach, confident and ready to share her message, stood side-by-side with the quiet, unsure little girl who never believed she was quite good enough. My journey to that stage wasn’t a sudden leap; it was a series of courageous steps that taught me one of the most powerful lessons of my life: the bridge between who you are and who you want to be is built with courage.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the human mind. My career as a counsellor and coach has been dedicated to giving others the tools I wish I’d had when I was younger. My mission has always been to help people understand themselves, quiet their inner critics, and step into their power. The inner critic, that voice that whispers doubts, is a powerful force. It’s the voice that tells us to stay in our comfort zone, to avoid risks, and to never make waves.
And it was that very voice that went into overdrive when I decided to apply for a TEDx talk.
The inner critic had a field day. “What if your idea isn’t good enough? What if you fail? Who are you to get on that stage?” The application process itself was a baptism by fire—honest, high-pressure, and designed to test not just your idea, but your conviction. Getting accepted was a huge triumph, but it was just the beginning of the real work.
The months of preparation were a masterclass in pushing my self-imposed limits. It was more than just writing a script; it was about rewriting my own self-narrative. Each time my inner critic tried to derail me, I pushed forward, fuelled by a purpose greater than my fear. The work was demanding, and the standards were rigorous, but the community of fellow speakers was my lifeline. We became a family, a cohort of individuals who shared vulnerabilities, encouraged one another, and celebrated every small win. It was a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to face your fears alone.
I discovered that the real work of stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t about the absence of fear. It’s about learning to take action in spite of it. It’s about being so committed to your purpose that being uncomfortable is a worthwhile price to pay.
Then, the day of the talk arrived. As I stood in the wings, waiting for my name to be called, I took a deep breath. A profound sense of peace washed over me, a quiet triumph that told me, “Wow, Alison, look how far you’ve come.” I had been transformed. The inner critic was still there, but its voice was now a faint whisper, drowned out by the roar of my own confidence and the certainty of my purpose.
So, I have a question for you. What is that thing you’re putting off? What is the dream you’re holding at arm’s length because a voice inside you is whispering doubts? What big or small goal are you waiting to chase, all because you’re convinced you don’t have enough time, enough skill, or enough courage?
My TEDx talk is my story, and while it was a phenomenal experience, this message isn’t about everyone ending up on a stage. It’s about finding the power and determination within yourself to chase your goal, whatever that may be. It’s about honouring your own unique path.
My journey is living proof that if you have the courage to take the first step, to challenge your doubts, and to invest in yourself, anything is possible. The greatest divide isn’t between the people on the stage and the people in the audience. The greatest divide is between the person you are today and the person you have the potential to become.
The bridge across that divide is built with a simple, yet profound choice: to believe in yourself and to step bravely outside your comfort zone.
Go on, take that first step. Your future self is waiting.
Article by Alison Blackler. Alison is an award-winning, Mind Coach, Author and Tedx Speaker 30 years experience working in mental health and runs a business called 2minds.
If you enjoy this, you’ll love Alison’s other features for us, including:
How to Be Kinder to Yourself
Coping with Christmas and Unwrapping a Little Joy
Step Into Your Truth
Watch Alison’s inspiring TEDX talk below:
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