Fear can be a powerful force, but only if we give it that power. When we look into our future and resolve to have no regrets for what we didn't do with our lives, we take the first step toward banishing fear.
Someone recently asked me what I attribute people’s success to. I answered with two words: "Making mistakes."
They asked me, "How does one do this?" I answered with two more words: "Take risks!"
Since 99% of fear is in your thinking, you can quickly and easily release your fear once you know how. Here are four strategies for releasing and overcoming the limitations imposed by fear in your life or business.
1. Cultivate your curiosity. When you set out in pursuit of knowledge or to satisfy your curiosity, you may find yourself in places that will surprise you. Where your fear might hold you back, your curiosity can carry you across an exciting threshold. You may even discover a streak of bravery you didn't know was there. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
2. Identify your hidden fears. If you know what to do to reach one of your goals but you’re still not doing it, chances are you’re afraid of something. Here’s a simple exercise - ask yourself three questions:
- What do I really want?
- What obstacles are in my way?
- What steps keep me from confronting or overcoming this obstacle?
For each fear that comes up in response to the third question, run it through the following questions to gain valuable perspective:
- What’s the worst that can happen if what I fear actually happens?
- What’s the best possible outcome for me or others if I felt the fear and did it anyway?
- Which of these – the worst or best – is more likely to happen?
3. Recognize that it’s all right NOW. No matter how bad or painful we think something is going to be, life is almost always all right in the present moment. Breath through it. This too shall pass. Stop worrying about future moments. The future hasn’t happened yet, and you still have the power to change it. True success happens when you fully embrace where you are today, and what you’ve accomplished so far, without judgment.
4. Do at least one thing you’re scared of doing every single day. Eleanor Roosevelt started this challenge, and it's still a good idea. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Every time you take on your fears, you create courage and muscle of the heart. Trust your intuition to guide and move you forward. Taking risks is an essential part of growth – enjoy and celebrate them!
So now you are ready for your own challenge:
- What is your dream for your business and your life?
- What is holding you back?
- What are the risks you are willing to take to advance along the path of your dream?
- What one small step can you take toward you dream right now?
Step out with confidence and with your head held high - you will indeed land on your feet!
Coach Patti
Patti Kouri, Accelerated Performance Coaching
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This blog is fantastic! I think it addresses so many latent issues that many of us are afraid to deal with, issues that we mask in any number of Freudian methods. It's not only good business advice, it's good life advice. As humans we're only as great (or brave) as we allow ourselves to be, which often requires an uncomfortable amount of honesty and self-realization. There is no better time than the present to tackle those issues and make yourself (and your business) as great as can be.
When I was selling I was fearfull all of the time. It was a terrific motivator and helped my business grow and prosper.
Excellent. This is the second blog of yours that I've read. They are by far some of the best I've read in the past few weeks. I just may become a subscriber!
What a great message, Patti!
It becomes so empowering when you realize that you can do ANYTHING! The only pre-requisite is that you must be consistent and work hard at your goals and one day you will get to were you want to go.
Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer
The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle
Patti,
Awesome blog! Feel the fear and do it anyway. I like reading your blog and being around positive people, especially in these trying times. I'm glad I subscribe to your blog!
Thanks for stopping by Tony, Nicole, Nicholas, Kathy and Jennifer.
I am glad I can bring that thread of hope. I am glad you have enjoyed the tips on how to enpower yourself and keep yourself focused on what is possible. It is funny how it works. The more hyper focused you are on what you want, fan the desire and believe it is possible, the mind seems to figure out a way to make it happen.
Go make something awsome happen today. You are worth it.
Anyone who inspires to the ideals of Ralph Waldo Emerson AND Eleanor Roosevelt is on the right track for sure. Thank you for this great post, Patti. Your points are well made.
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