16 February 2010
Managing Fear
Posted by Moss under: Working Successfully with Others .
Recognize that fear is normal. Recognize that fear will not disappear from your life. Fear takes on many stages: fear of failure, rejection, losing a loved one, not having enough money, losing power, etc.
A powerful strategy to manage fear is to create a clear vision, personal commitment, and action plan. Action taking is a great antidote to fear. Do you and your partner share a vision? Have your committed to always do your best to support this vision? Are you taking daily actions to succeed?
Lets say you fear about a difference of opinion you partner has with you. When you experience fear, pause and ask yourself, “What am I afraid of? Am I worried he will be angry, put me down or reject me? Am I taking this too personally?”
Ask if your current fearful behavior, i.e. avoidance, is supporting your partnership vision. Remind yourself of your commitment and action plan. Ask yourself, “If I were to act like a victim, what would I be doing? If I were to act like a navigator, what would I do differently?”
Take a deep breath, regain your personal integrity, and act the way a navigating partner would act: talk straight, express your concerns, state your commitments, and engage in a skillful discussion.
Bottom Line
- Take a risk
- Be a leader
- Stop giving power away
- Act like a navigator
- Remember, everyone is afraid!
