Fear is an interesting paradox. On the one hand, it can prevent you from taking foolish risks. Conversely, it can stop you from taking the necessary risks to achieve the next level of success.
Finding the right balance of fear is crucial to uncovering, taking action and achieving your highest potential. Zero fear is unrealistic, while all-consuming fear is destructive.
Here are four questions designed to put fear in perspective so you can move forward with confidence and sensibility:
What opportunity am I missing?
Fear calls for a pause. When reflecting on potential failure and success, it draws attention to the risks regarding expectations, changes, and responsibilities.
What are the opportunity costs of acting or not acting on this fear? Is the safety this fear offers worth the risk of the opportunities you will miss out on?
Who said I can’t?
Fear judges abilities. Left unchecked, it breeds self-doubt and undermines confidence, two essential ingredients for success. When consumed by fear, you become a prisoner of negative thoughts, second-guessing your capabilities and diminishing your self-worth.
While taking a critical look at yourself is good, it’s equally important to remember your capacity for growth and learning. Perfection, flawless performance and complete preparation are unrealistic. Encouragement is courage in action. Can you be brave enough to try something you are less than perfect at?
What other options are there?
Fear focuses on scarcity. It convinces you there are limited resources, people, and pathways to success. You become competitive instead of collaborative, focused on hoarding information and resources instead of sharing in an effort of self-preservation.
But how realistic and helpful is this narrow view? How would a more expansive perspective open you to abundant opportunities and outcomes?
How am I different this time?
Fear relies on the past. It makes predictions based on who you were instead of who you have become. In a sense, fear comes from an outdated identity.
Think about what you have learned since the last time you encountered a similar challenge, turning point or crossroad? How are you stronger, wiser or more flexible? Is it time to update your identity and reassess who you have become?
Action→ Question fear.
When fear blocks the road to achievement, question fear instead of blindly accepting it. Think of a decision or action you’ve been hesitating on. Apply the four questions and see what happens:
- What opportunity am I missing?
- Who said I can’t?
- What other options are there?
- How am I different this time?
While fear can protect you from failure, it can also sabotage success. Before you agree with what fear tells you, empower yourself with discovery. Bring fear into the light of scrutiny to see how well it stands up.
J.K. Rowling, the waitress turned renowned author of the Harry Potter book series, said, “It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”
Until next week, take good care.
Jo-Aynne Von Born, Leadership and Executive Coach
Like what you read? Please subscribe!
Check out my latest posts!
