Why was talking on the phone such a big deal?

The elation of landing my first proper office job in my early twenties didn’t last long.

It quickly gave way to a creeping sense of dread.

My manager had just walked me through what the role actually involved.

I was a property data researcher in a slick London office.

My job was calling up estate agents around the city to gather information we’d use to update our internal database.

(Yes, on the actual phone)

Sounds easy enough?

Not to me.

I got nervous talking on the phone to people I knew, let alone random professionals across London.

Plus, I was in an open-plan office, and all my new colleagues would be listening in on everything I said.

This bothered me far more than I know it should have.

My entire arm visibly shook when I made my first calls.

I was sweating. My throat was dry.

I knew this would be a long and painful ride.

I also knew I needed a change.

I was done with social anxiety.

It was holding me back in very visible ways now.

So I did what any normal, self-respecting Englishman does in these situations.

I drew up a 6-week desensitisation program to smash my social fear once and for all.

This meant taking to the streets of London and undergoing various social challenges of my own design.

• Asking people for the time.

• Asking for directions.

• Asking people about their favourite film.

• Starting conversations with randoms.

Was I scared?

A little, sure.

But it was also one of the most enlivening few weeks of my life.

Once I’d done my ‘social drills’ for the day, I came home feeling full, and extremely proud of myself.

More than anything, my anxiety faded significantly.

They noticed it at work.

If you find yourself unnecessarily anxious around others, whether with strangers, giving talks, speaking up in meetings, or going on dates, this could be your opportunity.

What’s the opportunity?

Stepping into what you’re afraid of.

Exposure and repetition is the way.

But it needn’t be all at once.

You can start easy and progress gradually in your own time.

Start by asking people for the time.

Then progress to asking for directions.

You might meet some nice people.

But really, ask yourself this: What is social anxiety costing you?

Lean into the chaos.

By the way, if you’d like instant access to my structured, gradual desensitisation program: ‘Fearless Program,’ you can get that here today.

It’s a lot like the one I created those years ago involving short, daily exercises and ‘confidence drills.’ You can do these on your way to work or into town.

It’s a video course where I guide you by the hand (providing you with deep and effective tips and reducing your anxiety), so that, by the end of just over a month, your confidence will be sky high.

No matter your age, you’ll be able to talk confidently around others and elevate your life as I did.

Invest in your copy of the Fearless Program here while the price stays this low.

Much love,

Alex