Simon Hall writes:
I had a beautiful moment last week, and a meaningful one as well.
I was at Pembroke College, part of the University of Cambridge, teaching public speaking and presentations.
I was walking to the room, when I realised something…
I had been here before.
And so the memory unfolded.
It was five years ago, and I was new to Cambridge, innocent, nervous, and trying to find my way.
It was an often difficult, challenging, and stressful time.
I'd left the comfort, stability and familiarity of the BBC, not to mention my dear Devon and so many even dearer friends, for…
I really didn’t know what.
But some kindly people tried to help me, and one asked me to give a talk on media careers to the Pembroke students.
I did, and was pleased to chat to around a dozen, who were all grateful.
The event was small, and free, and I enjoyed it, but…
The moment was bittersweet, as I still had a strong sense I had a very long way to travel before I could feel fulfilled in Cambridge.
Wind on five years, and much hard work, persistence, networking, learning, meeting so many people, showing what I could do, offering lectures and workshops, mentoring, coaching and consultancy, building up my business...
And - would you believe it - I was back in exactly the same room.
But this time the room was full, the teaching was well-paid, and, without being boastful…
I remembered that I was now a course leader in communication skills at this extraordinary, historic, world-leading university.
Along with running my own business, a quiet, but long-held ambition…
As well as writing a dozen communication books in the process...
Plus becoming a part of the team at some brilliant young Cambridge companies...
And also being a consultant for some bigger and far better known ones.
It was a moment of realisation such that my host needed to check I was okay.
Apparently I'd gasped, my face had flushed, and I was staring into space.
Forgive me please the happy moment, but sometimes, just occasionally…
We should be allowed to reflect on our lives with a little pride.
But apart from being pompous (my specialist subject!), the real point of this blog is far more profound:
- We all have times when we dread we will never get there…
- When we fear we will never make a success of our lives…
- When we sadly suspect we will fail to achieve our aims.
But take it from me, and my wonderful experience this week:
Hard work, persistence, and patience will pay off in the end.
