Comments for Max Bottaro

Comment on Action in the Face of Fear by Michael Henreckson

Michael Henreckson — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 03:20:41 +0000

Wow a great reminder to never let your fears hold you back. If you start by doing small things that you’re afraid of gradually you can work your way up ad overcome the really big fears.

Comment on Action in the Face of Fear by Frank S. Adamo

Frank S. Adamo — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:08:31 +0000

I’ve read many blogs on the fear of public speaking, but yours hit me like a ton of bricks. I now teach about the fear of presenting in front of an audience, but my experience in high school was much different from yours. I was shy and even though I had a speech impediment (a very high arched palate that made it difficult to articulate well), I was not afraid to speak up in front of the class — until one day I raised my hand to interpret the poem, Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. Not only did my classmates started snickering about my non-philosophical answer, the teach ridiculed me in front of the class. Decades later, I realized that Robert Frost did not mean for the poem to be philosophical.

Regardless, that one small incident, combined by my shyness and speech impediment, prevented me from ever raising my hand to volunteer or to express any opinions not for years, but for decades. If someone asked me a question, I would answer, but I never, ever volunteered an answer — until after I joined Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org).

Your message is extremely poignant. As I now explain in my classes and workshops, fear is a very positive attribute to humans. It’s a very natural response to the unknown and potential danger. Without the attribute to feel fear, the human race would have been extinct eons ago. Our body physically changes to prepare us to fight or flight from danger (real or perceived). To transcend the fear and in your words “instead of ignoring weaknesses, boldly take them on headfirst. ” Use that built up energy to “fight” rather than “flight from” your fear.

I’m writing my 2nd book on presentation skills, based on transcending our fear. I really don’t know you, but I would like to use your message (or if you would write something more direct) as the forward to my book.

BTW, I have collected many poems on the fear of public speaking, but I have not seen the poem by F. Bolen.

My life was dashed against the rocks for many years. I would encourage anyone in my situtation to join Toastmasters to reach your dreams on the other shore.

Take care and God bless.

Comment on Money as a Motivator by Be sure about what you want in life | Leap Walking

Be sure about what you want in life | Leap Walking — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:55:36 +0000

[...] Think Again: Money Fails as a Motivator Post new comment aceh, goals, life, poverty « How Marriage has Helped my Career [...]

Comment on Money as a Motivator by Stephen Johnson

Stephen Johnson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:34:05 +0000

Very interesting post and great writing, Max.

Have you found what you love to do?

Comment on Understanding Your Personal Thought Process by Yu-kai Chou

Yu-kai Chou — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:49:01 +0000

Hey Max,

This is a great blog! It aligns with my own philosophy and what I have been teaching others. I’ll be forwarding this to a few others. Keep it up!

Comment on Understanding Your Personal Thought Process by Avoid One Thing » Blog Archive » Understanding Your Personal Thought Process

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:19:01 +0000

[...] Understanding Your Personal Thought Process One thing that I’ve noticed is the linking of thoughts and events is often left on autopilot. For example, let’s say something bad happens to you- an interview goes poorly or you get a bad grade on a test. What’s the first thing that … [...]

Comment on Understanding Your Personal Thought Process by Understanding Your Personal Thought Process : Brazen Careerist - A Career Center for Generation Y

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:59:39 +0000

[...] Politics Relationships Social Media Technology Max Bottaro Understanding Your Personal Thought Process [...]

Comment on Avoiding Shady Job Listings by Ryan Paugh

Ryan Paugh — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:52:19 +0000

Max,

I’ve been scammed too. You’re not alone.

Other things I’ve learned…

Watch out for descriptions like this: ENTRY LEVELS NEEDED!!! The company usually sucks or is a scam.

If you’re (potential) boss seems shady, Google. I once searched a potential boss and found out he was behind all these pyramid schemes that promise entry levelers the world then send them out to the projects to sell their weak product.

And like you said, in retrospect it seems so obvious. But when you’re fresh out of college and have no clue, it’s really not your fault.

-RP

Comment on Avoiding Shady Job Listings by Avoiding Shady Job Listings : Brazen Careerist

Avoiding Shady Job Listings : Brazen Careerist — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:45:41 +0000

[...] Politics Relationships Social Media Technology Max Bottaro Avoiding Shady Job Listings [...]

Comment on An Outdated Voting System and Today’s Youth by Jun Loayza

Jun Loayza — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:52:41 +0000

hahaha… yea, the Diddy “Vote or Die” campaign made me want to choose death

- Jun