My biggest barrier has been self-doubt, especially in leadership roles. I used to think I wasn’t experienced enough, but this module’s strategy of reframing self-talk has helped. Instead of "What if I fail?" I now ask, "What can I learn?" Recently, I led a group project at work, and despite initial nerves, it went well, boosting my confidence. A barrier I thought I’d never overcome was public speaking. By practicing in small steps, I gained confidence and eventually enjoyed speaking to a large audience. These experiences taught me to celebrate progress over perfection. Let’s keep inspiring each other!

I remember a time in high school when I was asked to join the debate team. Public speaking terrified me, and I immediately thought, "I’m not good enough to stand in front of people and argue a point." So, I declined without even trying. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t my actual skills that held me back but my fixed mindset. I believed that I either had the talent or didn’t, and I didn’t see the opportunity as a chance to grow. If I had approached this with a growth mindset, I would have seen the invitation as a chance to develop my speaking skills, not a test of my existing abilities. Maybe I wouldn’t have been amazing at first, but with practice, I could have improved. To "flip the switch" next time, I would focus on breaking the challenge into manageable steps. For example, I could start by practicing in front of close friends or family and gradually work my way up to larger audiences. I would also remind myself that growth takes time and that even if I fail initially, it’s part of the process. By changing my approach, I’d likely embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it—and who knows, I might even enjoy it!