THEN THERE WAS THAT QUICK LESSON OVER MOZAMBIQUE….EEEEEKKKKK!

At this point, we’ve all had enough time out there in this great big world to know our strengths and weaknesses, right? Well, it turns out that we all seem to suffer from the same nagging thing …..FEAR. Well, maybe it’s a bit broader than that …. there may be fear you need and fear you don’t need. Could be that some of that “fear” is just a set of excuses. Things we create that make us feel better about putting our dreams away …. no need to stretch if it’s just going to fail, right?

There is a great quote by Franklin Roosevelt that says: ” While fear can serve us, it can also limit us.” Followed up by: “All we have to fear is fear itself” How many times in recent years has fear kept you from doing something you REALLY wanted to do? How can we “feel the fear” and step up anyway?

There are a few actionable tools you can use to move forward and put fear into proper perspective.

1. FIND SOMETHING SCARIER… I know lots of people who are paralyzed by the thought of public speaking. Or, maybe it’s selling or putting yourself out there in a vulnerable way. Find something that is even scarier to you and use it. Maybe you don’t want to disappoint your boss or, your children or spouse. Use others stories to show you that things could ALWAYS be worse. Then, just do it! (Thanks Nike)
2. ON THE PORCH TEST … According to Judy in Fear is My Homeboy, another way to push past fear is to find out what it’s going to cost you.    You need to find your why:   Why is pushing past your fear a MUST not just a SHOULD?   I’ve often utilized the “On the Porch in a chair test” to see if it’s worth it. Imagine yourself as 90 years old, sitting in your rocking chair, and you didn’t do whatever it is where fear is holding you back.  If it doesn’t bother you, then don’t do it.   But, if you feel like you missed out, and you regret not doing it, then go for it. Again, can you live with sitting out?
3. MAKE A CHANGE … I think we’ve all heard about our “fight or flight” hormone Cortisol. If you find you feel paralyzed by something….make a physical change which will alter your thought process. Fear is a physical thing. Change your situation and slay fear….go for a walk or run and listen to your favorite “power” music. Go to the gym and lift weights. Talk to someone you trust to help you see how you are holding back.

Don’t stay stuck … take action…change things up and move forward. Be brave … you’ll be glad you did.

Soar,