Just because something looks easy doesn't mean it IS easy

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Just because something looks easy doesn’t mean it IS easy.

Has anyone ever said to you ‘you’re so natural at it’, ‘you look so comfortable doing that’, ‘it’s easy for you’…

People often say this to me about things like public speaking, and being on camera. And I’m thinking ‘If only you knew what it takes to get me to that place, what goes through my head before, during and after..’ Here’s the reality behind it looking ‘easy and natural’....

  • I can’t eat much that day (and I love eating)

  • I worry about people not understanding the message I want to get across. I worry about people not getting me!

  • I worry I will hold back for fear of being ‘too much’.

  • In the few hours prior to an event I have thoughts that the venue might burn down and it will all get cancelled and I feel slightly relieved!!

  • Sometimes I have to have a cry that day just to stabilise my emotions.

  • I go between planning every word and winging it.

  • I think that my thoughts and ideas are too ridiculous for anyone to be interested.

  • I really want to enjoy the experience not just get through it.

I could go on....... You get the point.

The thing is. I’ve been speaking in front of all kinds of people for so many years that I’ve just got very good at making it LOOK easy, and I’ve given my brain enough evidence to remind me that nothing really bad ever happens.


So whenever you look at someone and think it’s so easy for them and that you could never do that, remember that what something looks like and what it feels like are two different things. Behind the ease is usually a lot of fear, courage, relentless self conflict, and a shed load of practice. And that if you’re willing to take all that on you are utterly capable of making anything look easy too.

My little nugget of wisdom for you today.

Leah Davies