"I gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which I must stop and look fear in the face... I say to myself, I've lived through this and can take the next thing that comes along...We must do the things we think we cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt. There is plenty to be fearful about in this world today; sickness, the economy, global realities. Facing your fears is not the same as succumbing to them. To face your fears is to acknowledge them, take stock of them, grieve and analyze them, but never let them beat you. If you allow them, your fears will decrease your motivation, cause you to panic and maybe even paralyze you from acting at all. People will not want to partner with you or help you to succeed if they think that you are overcome by your fears. Why jump on a sinking ship?
Here are three things you can do today to face your fears. Ask yourself these questions: 1. How much of what I fear is inside and outside of my control? Write them on two columns. You may not have control over what will happen with your job, but you do have options to consider if that happens. You can't impact the 'outside your control' list, so spending too much emotional time there is unproductive. Acknowledge the column and then change your focus to the 'inside' list. Remember that your attitude is always in the 'inside' my control column. It may be hard, but look for that silver lining when things seem to be going badly. Try to make the 'inside my control' list longer than the 'outside of your control' list.
2. Is there a hidden opportunity in this fearful situation? Perhaps a book can be written, a course created, a product to help people going through the same thing can be produced. Every challenging situation is a learning opportunity. So, don't miss the opportunities because you are allowing yourself to be paralyzed by fears. When I think back on times in my life when something was happening that seemed so horrible in the moment, something better was right around the corner. It may be difficult to see that possibility now, but it's there if you look for it.
3. Will joining forces with someone else help both of you weather the storm? Now more than ever, it's time to find dream partners for success. Going it alone in this economy will only make your journey more difficult. Connect with trustworthy colleagues. Reach out your hand to help them and let them help you. Have an encouraging attitude and work through these questions together. There is synergy in collaboration.
Honor your fears, but don't let them take you down. If you are looking for dream partners, check out the Redwood Sisterhood. We are there to help you succeed especially through the scary times. What is one thing you can do to impact your circumstance today? Take that step.
