So the term fear has been revealing itself lately. Both within myself and with those around me (go figure!). How do we deal with fear effectively? We all know it’s imperative to face it and then blast through it, but how do you keep the excitement and MOMENTUM moving in the direction you want it to without fear becoming a stopping point?
First. Remember that fear is man-made. You were not born with fear. You create it. It’s not real. It is something that your mind and your physical self have created. It’s simply the unknown. A new adventure. Perhaps your passion or your calling.
Second. Remember that anxiety and excitement actually carry the same vibration. This means that what you think is fear, might actually be excitement chemically. Your brain is just filtering it into the fear category. It’s very difficult to know the difference.
Third. Study how you feel. Does the thought of moving forward in the way that you are excite you even though the fear exists? Or, are you dreading the outcome and hoping that you won’t have to step into it? It’s important to get into this place of feeling so you can truly begin your forward movement with the right intentions.
Now that you have a better handle on whether it’s anxiety or excitement that you’re feeling, it’s time to assess what you’re really afraid of. It’s not the task at hand. Truly. It goes deeper than that. So where is the fear coming from? That you’ll fail? That you’ll disappoint? That you’ll lose perspective? That you’ll be alone? Take a hard look at what is really underneath it all. If you have to, play the “why” game. It goes a little something like this:
“I’m scared of quitting my job.”
Why?
“Because I’m not sure what else I’d do.”
Why?
“Because I’ve never really taken a good, hard look at my strengths and talents.”
Why?
“Because that seems egotistical and what I’m doing now works.”
Why?
“Because I was always told not to brag. And I guess what I’m doing now doesn’t really work.”
Why?
“Because that’s what my parents told me and it’s what they were told. What I’m doing now doesn’t work because I’m miserable and hate going into work every day.”
Why?
“Because it’s mundane and I’m not challenged. But I have to do it.”
WHY?
“Because I’m afraid I can’t make as much money somewhere else.”
Ohhhh…..you get the point. Fear of stability. Continue this game down the rabbit hole until you reach an answer that makes sense to you. It might take a while, but be patient as you journal or verbally answer a friend playing the part of ‘why.’
Once you pinpoint the source of your fear, you can begin to strengthen that doubt from the foundation up. Mantras, action steps and building support are all super powerful tools. Stand firm, face your fear and then wipe it out. It’ll never be a fear again!
Happy hunting,
Coach Katie Mattson
Momentum Coaching
For more information about how to identify and bust through fear, consider purchasing Momentum Coaching’s, “Breaking Barriers” Fear E-Course. Click here for more information.
