EFFORT 

A surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence. Sonia Sotomayer

Everyone has that self-doubt, anxiety, fear, apprehension, excitement, whatever label you want to put on it (I choose excitement) some people are just better at hiding it than others. But a funny thing happens when you do the work, practice, put in the effort. Our “anxiety” dissipates, and our confidence grows. “I got this”. The best elixir for nerves is preparation. We are all quite capable, and when we work at our skills or practice our craft, or prepare our presentation, speech, opening statement, whatever our current project is, as we prepare, a wonderful side effect of preparation, is reduced stress, lower anxiety, increased confidence. Ask any Olympic athlete before their event if they are nervous? Typical response is, heck no, I am excited, I am ready, let's go. That mindset comes from having put in the effort. Preparation.