Don’t fault yourself for being afraid of taking that big step–the massive action– that needs to happen to realize your dream, or to advance your career or business! It’s a natural response to moving out of your comfort zone. But while you shouldn’t rebuke yourself for feeling fearful, neither should you wallow in it so that you never get past it.
When fear rears its ugly head, use these simple tactics to put it in perspective and move on.
Recognize fear is only a feeling
Fear can feel very, very real. But it’s only an emotion that survives and thrives when we dwell on it and start to believe it. The first step in mastering your fear of taking massive action is to remember to tell yourself that fear isn’t real–that it’s only a feeling that can’t hurt you.
You have to challenge your thoughts and then reframe them to lessen fear felt. What is the worst that you think will happen? And what if it doesn’t?
Remember, everyone has experienced fear of failure
Everyone experiences fear before they try something new. Think Tony Robbins hasn’t experienced fear of failure? Sure he has, and I’m sure he would tell you that himself. Everyone has experienced fear of failure, the fear of looking like a fool, the fear of losing friends when you become too famous, too wealthy, too thin, or whatever.
When a moment of panic comes over you, image your role model and remember that they too have experienced fear. But they moved through it anyway. Some of the best in business have stated that if you’re not feeling some fear, then you’re not aiming high enough. Savor the feeling you get once a fearful action is taken – this will push you through to take more the next time.
Take the first small step
We’ve all heard Newton’s 1st Law of Motion: A body at rest tends to stay at rest, while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Notice that feeling of fear, and then take that first small step in spite of it. As motivational speaker Brian Tracy states in his book. Eat that Frog, if you do the hardest step first thing in the day the rest will flow easy/
You will feel amazing after you’ve done that one little thing. You’ll realize that you can do it, and you’ll be excited to take that next step. Fear will be replaced by enthusiasm, giving you more confidence.
Use a lifeline
Sometimes we recognize fear for what it is, but can’t seem to get over the hurdle anyway. That’s the right time to call in some reinforcements. Get ahold of a friend, colleague or family member who is totally on board with your goal. Buy them a cup of coffee and talk to them about your feelings. Use them as a sounding board, ask for their advice or just come on out and ask for a pep talk.
This person loves you and has faith that you can achieve your goal, so you don’t need to worry about being embarrassed to tell them that fear has you in a paralyzing grip! They will support you through each step you take; sometimes all we need is to hear a person we love and admire tell us it will be all right. Hiring a coach will also give you an outsider’s perspective and be that sounding board, while holding you accountable on what you say you’re going to do.
“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears. (Rudyard Kipling, n.d.)
If you’re ready to stop allowing fear to hold you back, contact us today to learn how to break free. Stop holding back and Start moving forward!