One of the things that has held me back professionally has been taking risks. I've been scared to take risks for as long as I can remember. I remember thinking 'what if this happens, or what if that happens'. You know the routine.

Late last year, a guy from work left and I was asked if I wanted to take his duties over while we searched his replacement. In the past, every time I've been in this situation I would have said no. This time, I decided that things would be different. I said 'yes'. I was scared and terrified, but all my team members were very compassionate. I learned so many things. I improved my process that now i'm up for a promotion.

This was the first time that i really felt that I was beating my anxiety. I've noticed myself starting to take more risks. Others may not see them as being big risks but for me they are huge. And it feels fantastic!