With 6 days before I compete in North America’s largest Inspirational Speaking contest – Speaker Slam, I have been working my tail off. I have been learning new skills, trying very scary things, and realizing that I DO have what it takes to be an international speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Who knew?!?! I certainly didn’t!

First I’d like to give a shoutout to @speakerslam, as I told Dan Shaikh, co-founder of the company, “Speaker Slam is giving me the knowledge and platform to make transitioning my speaking from a passion to proffession, possible.”

I know that I’m a polished, professional speaker, but what I didn’t have were the tools to give me the credibility that is needed in this fast paced social media society. I didn’t have a web page – okay, mine is still under construction and I’m stttrruuggglliinng with it still, but it’s up! After the contest I will finally have a highlight reel! I have defined my area of expertise – Resilience and I have synchronized all of my social media handles. I started doing this writing, which for a dyslexic/ADHD person is utterly terrifying. My posts aren’t perfect or polished, but they are authentically me!

Lately, I have been writing to newspapers with pitches to garner media attention…and yesterday, it worked!!! Thursday morning, I am going to be taping a segment to be aired on The Morning Edition K-W with @Craig Norris. Today, I had an amazing chat with @Ieva Lucs who is the Executive Producer of the show. We shared stories, covered many different topics and spent an enjoyable hour together. Yet, until this year, I’d never have considered reaching out to CBC Radio, it blows my mind. My imposter syndrome is slowly fading away as I step from what was once a dream and turn it into my reality.

So, have I had a lil’bit of luck this year? Hell yah, but I made an investment in myself and I have been pushing myself to new heights as I build on that momentum and confidence. I am making things happen and loving every minute of it!

What could you do today to move your dream forward, even if just a single baby step?

Sending you all 🌊🌊oceans of love🌊🌊

CJ Janzen | The Singing Speaker