One Small Step that Matters

This blog solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the views of Deloitte.

On a very normal day at work, I got an email saying that there was an initiative called “Speaking with Intent” that aimed to empower youth to advance their communication skills. I do not normally feel that I am the right person to empower or inspire anyone. However, a part of me believes that maybe my story can at least help younger people who are struggling with communication to gain some insights, just like I did. So, I thought why not? After all, it does not have to be something big to make an impact, right?

Many years ago, I believed I was an introvert. As I was growing up, the older people around me often joked about my mental and physical growth, and the occassional scoldings led me to retreat into my comfort zone, avoiding communication, even with my own family. I only felt at ease talking and joking around my friends. However, this avoidance of communication started turning into something stronger – almost a sense of disliking it. I realised it was getting worse when I lost my dad to heart disease, which left an array of emotions untold due to my lack of communication with him. However, I was lucky to have my friends and family by my side throughout the difficult time.

Fast forward to my sophomore year in college, my friends coaxed, dragged, almost forced me into joining a student club. I was not interested at first, thinking it was a waste of time, but my friend insisted, and I reluctantly agreed. Turned out that my so-called careless ‘yes’ shaped me into who I am today. I started meeting new people, which was scary at first, but it turned out to be okay. Taking the first step to do something you are not familiar of is always daunting, but I started enjoying, exploring, connecting, communicating, and engaging more with others. The awkwardness and fear gradually faded away. What I am most proud of is that I can now communicate heart-to-heart with my family and cherish my time with them more. That is when I realised that communication is the key that I have always overlooked, and it has always been there. Furthermore, I started doing volunteer work, getting involved in community services, taking charge of charity projects, including hosting several international projects. These experiences eventually led me to my dream job. Exposing myself to the outside world does not mean that I am only encountering positive experiences and people. However, along the way, I learnt to deal with unwanted situations and negative people effectively. This has significantly contributed to my personal development, emotional intelligence, and current work.

Then, I realised that I was not really an introvert. I was just stuck in my comfort zone, in my own small world, making me forget that there are a lot of things waiting for me to explore. Now, I am confident to communicate, be expressive yet humble and respectful, and I encourage people to do so too. This happened because of that one small step I took when I was in my sophomore year. I reluctantly agreed to do something that I would usually avoid because I was too afraid of the uncertainties when I step out of my comfort zone but look at how much I have progressed. I know my experience might not be applicable to all readers, but this is what I wish I knew sooner and wish I could advise my younger self. I really hope everyone can take away at least one useful insight from my story and use it to their own advantage. Soft skills like communication, public speaking, and personal development can be learnt if you are willing to take one small step and keep an open mind in the process. Along the process, do what feels right for you and avoid what does not. I have made it this far, and I believe you will too. If we feel like something is not what it is supposed to be, why not make some changes to see where it takes us, right? After all, it is our life, and it is us who takes responsibility for the consequences of our action, so do not be afraid. Take that small step and explore who you really are and will be!