A birthday does not simply mark the passage of another year of age; it represents one year filled with lessons learned and experiences gained in life.
Believe it or not, I used to be someone who was extremely afraid of speaking in public.
This photo was taken during my very first on-stage appearance. It was the moment I decided to face my fear and step onto a stage in front of a large audience for the first time.
Before that day, I practiced in front of a mirror more than 20 times, memorizing every word and sentence from the notes I had prepared (the paper I’m holding in this photo).
Even though I felt afraid, nervous, and uncomfortable, I knew that public speaking is an essential skill for entrepreneurs and business leaders. So I found the courage to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and commit to overcoming this fear with determination.
From that day until now, I have spoken on more than 1,000 stages. Over time, facing my fears has transformed me into someone who enjoys public speaking, a speaker, and many other roles I once thought I could never achieve. The more we practice, the stronger our skills become.
From my own experience, I have learned that to achieve success in any area, we must repeatedly face the things we fear. Our comfort zone gradually expands. We may not notice these changes immediately, as growth happens little by little over time, but when we look back, we realize how far we have come from the starting point.
I chose to share this personal lesson on my birthday as a source of inspiration for everyone. I hope it encourages all of you to confront life’s challenges.
One year is meaningful. If you want to accomplish something, overcome your fears and take action seriously. In the end, you will see the transformation.
Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa
Founder & CEO Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
