Two months ago, I was invited to a local networking event. It seemed like a great idea at the time, and I’m always trying to learn new things and meet new people.
Notice, I said “at the time…” but after an exhausting day of meetings, projects and deadlines I was ready to go home and relax.
Related: The Summer of Me
I thought about cancelling. I had lots of great excuses running through my mind: “I’m tired.” “I won’t know anybody.” “No one will miss me if I don’t go.” “No one will care if I am there.” You know how the in-head script goes.
I decided to go, and I am so glad I did! I met many interesting, like-minded people with lots of energy. Some faces were familiar from a recent conference I attended and plenty of new and interesting people to meet.
The facilitator had us do a quick round of introductions and then we were encouraged to meet new people and expand our conversations with others. He joked, “Move on from who you are nesting with.”
By “leaving the nest,” I had some terrific, authentic conversations. Reenergized from the passionate and creative people I met, I drove home thinking that was just what I needed — and I’m going to do it more often.
There are times you need to definitely honor your body and energy level and other times you need to challenge your resistance. Nike’s “Just Do it” campaign embodies this spirit perfectly!
Always be willing to take risks…even if that means pushing yourself to follow through with a commitment when you don’t feel like it.
In this case, I am glad I did. You never know when you are going to meet a terrific, new friend.