What is the consequence of not overcoming it? It’s often huge over time. So, what is FEAR and how do you overcome it? 

This article gives a simple definition and some top tips. Simply not picking up the phone and calling that prospect is costing you money today! Likewise, not having that difficult conversation with someone. 

Fears are our instinct, to protect us from things that may kill us, they are important! However, it’s 2024 and fortunately most of the things we fear cannot kill us. Improving at managing our mindset on this is therefore a significant benefit.   

Think of how you felt last time you overcame a fear, it’s very positive right? It’s consistent breakthroughs that have helped us grow to where we are now. Our comfort zone is our danger zone, keeping us from new things that will help us grow. 

So, the anagram we use for FEAR is False Expectations Appearing Real.  

Think of a time when you put something off due to fear. What negative assumptions did your mind create regarding the likely outcome? For example, I’m scared of my first parachute jump, assumptions – it may not open and I may die, I may land somewhere that hurts me…or, If I run a webinar – people may not turn up, I could get negative feedback, I may not deliver very well or forget my lines… 

Our brains use a lot of energy, how much energy do you waste at a time when you are completely safe, worrying about things that are likely never to happen? What have you delayed or stopped and how much has it cost?  

One method for quickly overcoming a relatively minor fear is JUST DO IT. Build the habit of picking up and dialling so you have no choice but to make the call or send a message to kick start the process of your webinar. I once texted back quickly to accept an invitation to speak in front of 200 peers, then had to!  

Another is to break things down into smaller steps, then taking each one at a time to overcome a larger fear over time. For example, snakes; first get comfortable in a room with some that can’t get to you, then get closer, eventually touch one that can’t hurt you, eventually hold one etc. Get used to Zoom calls and get some training on presentations before doing a webinar etc. 

The final method is to get some professional help from a psychologist, others swear by hypnotherapy. Not my area of expertise but there are proven methods out there to blow up irrational fears that are holding us back. 

What action can you take to overcome something that is holding you back? What are you currently putting off or avoiding and what is the impact on your energy, time and money? Maybe the first step is to get some external help?