The Importance of Making a Tit of Yourself

I studied European studies and French at university which involved doing a year living in France. Despite having 15 years of French studies under my belt before doing my year in France, I was still absolutely terrified of speaking French. I knew my stuff but I was scared of making a fool of myself. If I tried to communicate with someone but they didn't understand, I'd give up get embarrassed and walk away.

I've just got back from France and it was a completely different story. I really loved trying out my French. I haven't spoken it in about 25 years but that didn't stop me from having a go using words I know, and piecing little bits of sentences together with really poor grammar and probably not very good pronunciation.

What was the difference? This time I wasn't afraid to make a tit of myself. I saw it as a bit of fun, I saw failure as learning and I saw it as an opportunity to communicate with people from a different culture. This time mistakes didn't upset me, they challenged me, and I enjoyed the process of learning. I accepted that making a fool of myself was part of the experience. I embraced it.

I wish I hadn't wasted so much time during my year abroad at University worrying. I wish I'd done what I did this time and just get stuck in and enjoy the process of feeling confused. Not only is it more enjoyable but you make progress faster too.

What could you do if you weren't afraid to make a tit of yourself?