What are you most worried about for the future?
Are you behind on reaching a set goal this year, and afraid you might not achieve? This is why your fear could be your friend, and here’s how to recover and recalibrate.
It’s July 1st, 6 months down, 6 months to go. Everyday is like a fresh piece of paper and only you get to decide what you write on it. The year is just beginning. Seize the day!
Fear is like a warning alarm. It helps you avoid dangers you may not be prepared to handle.
I remember seeing an opportunity in my dream career and when the warning alarm went off in my head, I totally dismissed it. Of course I got called because my profile ticked all the boxes. But at interview, my heart skipped a beat, I got dizzy, shaking hands and a panic attack. The reality of my fear left me too afraid to speak. That was the end of that.
Why Fear Could be Your Friend
Fear can be very legitimate. So it doesn’t help to dismiss it. Most times your fear is actually reminding you of your real capabilities.
It may also be an exaggeration your mind has built following some trauma. So perhaps it’s time to work at healing from your trauma, improving your skills or have a realistic view of yourself.
Review and Recalibrate
Do an analysis of what you are afraid of. Ask yourself questions like what really scares you and why does it scare you? What is the worst that could happen? Can you solve the problem if the worst happened? Do you have solutions to the problem? Can you start now to create solutions?
If the feared danger is life threatening, can you see a solution that avoids danger to life?
Have clear answers to each question written in a journal. When you are satisfied with your answers, begin to visualise yourself facing your fear. Mental practice could slowly lead to real life practice.
I started being methodical about each solution I created. Then, I practiced and practiced facing my fear. I spoke to it, I answered its questions and clearly defended my new path.
Eventually I generated 3 tangible solutions to the legitimate dangers my fear was warning me about.
If the danger is life threatening and there is no way to avoid a threat to life, perhaps this is why your fear is your friend. It’s keeping you alive.
What if the danger is not life threatening, you have created concrete solutions but your fear still keeps you from achieving your set goals?
That’s your fear telling you you might need professional help building self confidence and esteem. Or perhaps there is a health problem that needs to be addressed.
Remember that everyday is like a fresh piece of paper. Write it positive today. Don’t let fear keep you from being your own real life Pulitzer prize.
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