Becoming a Better You A Little Bit At A Time...

[Lawren Smith]

As a child I was always painfully shy and introverted. In fact, my mother says that I did not talk until I was nine years old. She said that if she asked me a question, my younger sister would always answer for me.

I can remember as a child being very imaginative. Often I would escape the difficulties that my family was going through by creating this world where we were not poor and struggling.

I was outgoing when it came to playing with my friends in the neighborhood, but I much more enjoyed the times I spent by myself, in my own world. Many of my friends thought I was strange because I did not talk very much. I did not care about what my friends thought of me. It was my mother's love and support that got me through the difficult times despite the fact that her life was not the best.

As I grew older, I still remained painfully shy but because I was good at athletics and a good student, many people did not focus on the fact that I did not like to talk or socialize much.

When I became an adult, my confidence in my ability to do my job helped me to hide my shyness. I excelled in my career and many people took notice of my performance at the job and I was often rewarded by either a raise or a promotion, but still the little shy girl remained hidden within. This shy little girl would surface anytime I had to speak in front of a group. Writing down what I was going to say before a meeting took place helped me through those times.

When I first started my home business and I had to start talking on the phone, I felt paralyzed. When the phone first started ringing, I would not answer it. After a month or so went by, I would answer, but my voice would quiver and very rarely would anyone be able to understand what I was saying. I forgot to mention that I also had a speech impediment and still do. My mother helped me with this by telling me to slow down my speech and enunciate the words. Every once in a while when I get nervous, my speech impediment surfaces.

Gradually, after many hangups, mistakes and failures, my phone technique started to develop and my confidence started to grow. This is because no matter how often someone hung up on me, I would keep trying. I can't tell you how many times I cried during this painful period in my life. I was thankful for the script that was given to me by my sponsor. It helped to ease my nerves a little.

In time, due to much practice, I did not need that script anymore. After about a year, I started to receive less hangups and I started to receive more sales. In fact, I can remember selling $10,000 worth of products in one month. My sponsor was so proud of me. He took me and others who sold $10,000 worth of products to a special dinner. We went to dinner on a ferry where we watched a live show while eating our meals. It was one of the best nights of my life. I will never forget that experience.

I am no longer a member of that business opportunity, but my experiences within that business opportunity has contributed to my current success within a business opportunity I am participating in. I am considered to be a leader in this company, which is something I never thought I could accomplish. I am also getting little to no hangup on phone calls, leading live trainings on the phone, and arranging appointments for presentations with strangers.

I sometimes still see that shy, introverted little girl with the speech impediment, but I am also seeing something new. She is smiling. She is smiling because she knows the progress I have made in overcoming my many obstacles and you know what she is saying? She is saying "I am proud of you Lawren".

Growth and development often surfaces from pain, mistakes and failures. This is ok. Welcome them for they are your friends. Learn from them. Pain, mistakes and failures are your guides that will put you on the right path that leads to a better you and eventually to success.

[Scott OBrien]

WOW.... Lawren, that is an awesome story! I can relate to being shy. I still am pretty shy in some situations... specially if I'm in a group of people I don't know. Your stroy is very inspiring... Thanks!

Scott OBrien
skype: krisokae

[Lawren Smith]

Hello Scott,
Thank you for your kind words. I wrote this to show that if someone like myself, who started out with no confidence and a lot of baggage can overcome obstacles and difficulties in speaking, anybody can. It really is all about how badly you want to change. Yes, change can be very painful, but when I think back, I and look at the progress I have made and how it has improved my life, it was well worth it.

It has been a pleasure knowing you Scott and I am grateful for the opportunity in working with you. I look forward to the upcoming years in which we can spend working together and getting to know one another better.

God Bless!
Lawren

[Marc Korn]

Hi Lawren,

As always, your posts are very inspirational and motivational.
You should be very proud of all that you have accomplished and you are still growing...
"the sky is the limit" ....you are a wonderful role model.

Keep up the great work.

To your success,
Marc

[Lawren Smith]

Hi Marc,
I am thankful for your heartfelt words. I appreciate the fact that you find my posts inspiring and motivating. I hope it helps many other people who struggle with shyness. It can be very debilitating if you let it.

I am proud, but I also recognize that I still have a lot of work to do on me. As you say, I am still growing, which is better than not growing.

I think it is very sweet that you consider me to be a wonderful role model. This is one of the goals I am working towards. I would love to be a role model for others. One day, soon, I hope I can accomplish this goal.

God Bless!
Lawren

[Gary & Viktoria]

Lawren,

You sure do have talents & skills!

Your life experiences have taught you much, and we are proud to know that you will contribute those experiences here at A.F.S. so that other's can find their way into self-confidence and become leader's in our industry!

Your story proves that no matter what one's experience in life ... one can always succeed! For you it was a necessity and a choice, as it is for us all!

Thank You for this wonderful story and contribution, you are a shining star!!

Be Blessed Daily!

Gary & Viktoria
A.F.S. Admin

[Lawren Smith]

Hello Gary and Viktoria,
Thank you so much for your kind words. In hopes of helping others, I wanted to share my story. These are life experiences that were painful but also taught me a lot about me.

I think everyone should spend more time to learn about themselves and appreciate the blessings that we have in our life. I am often guilty of not showing more gratitude for the events that take place in my life, good or bad events, they are a part of our life and that is what makes such events special, what contributes to making us special.

Again, thank you both....
Lawren

[Lawren Smith]

Hello M. Thomas,
Thank you for your kindness.

I love your remark, especially the part that says, "The real shame is if we never learn or grow". This is so true. There are many who refuse to grow, for whatever reason and that is a shame.

Again, thank you....