When preparation backfires

You ever work so hard on something…

that you actually end up making it harder for yourself?

That was me.

Right before my first arena keynote.

8,000 people in the crowd.

And me? Absolutely terrified.

But not for the reason you’d think.

Not because I didn’t prepare.

But because I was too prepared.

Months of rehearsals.

Every line.

Every joke.

Every pause.

Memorized.

Sounds like a good plan, right?

But what I didn’t realize was…

I wasn’t leaving any room to actually be there.

To be present with the audience.

One missed word? I’d spiral.

One skipped pause? I’d forget my place.

I thought I was setting myself up for success.

I was actually setting myself up to crack under pressure.

The speech was fine.

I survived.

But that moment taught me something I’ll never forget:

Over-preparation can lead to self-doubt.

Intentional preparation leads to self-confidence.

World of a difference.

It’s not about how much you prep.

It’s about how intentionally you prep.

These days, I don’t aim for perfect delivery.

I aim for authenticity.

How can I be the most genuine version of myself and bring something valuable to this group?

I prep with flexibility.

I leave space to breathe, to connect, to be human.

And honestly? It’s changed my entire career.

So I’d ask you:

What are you preparing for right now?

And is your preparation rooted in making it ‘perfect’ OR showing up as your best?

Your friend,

Juan Bendaña | Keynote Speaker

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