Fear can be crippling. Fear can be debilitating. Fear feeds resistance and stops us achieving dreams; from challenging the status quo; from using our voices – or even from trying something new.
I doubt there are many business people who have gone through their career without experiencing fear – loss of face, loss of market share, loss of revenue – or worse still – loss of forward momentum. Many question ‘Can I?’, ‘Who would want to listen to me?’, ‘Do I have the experience to do this?’.
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Crazy thoughts and often irrational fears. The truth is that fear, for many of us, is present everyday. The question is how to turn the feeling of fear in to a powerful tool of success? Here are five key tips to removing the fear and achieving the success that you want.
- It all starts with YOU
The only judgment that matters is the one you have of yourself so decide what is it that you are going to stand for, what your testament is to the world, what difference you want to make today to influence the lives of others around you. When you have a sense of clarity and purpose for yourself and your life, when you are clear on your why, you can then begin the journey to achieve what you desire from your life, business or profession, and enjoy longevity in your success because you are living life on purpose.
- Own your unique value system
Understand what makes up your value system and own it. Live it. Work it. If you don’t start leading from within, taking control to acknowledge your own values and beliefs and the person that you are on the inside, you will never be capable of being the better person on the outside. This system is unique to you and it is your responsibility to take ownership. There are times when it will be challenged or when you will give in to others’ values – and you will look back and kick yourself and wish you had trusted your intuition.
That intuition, that gut feeling? Don’t ever mistrust it. It is a key part of you, and you should learn that it is one of your best assets. Ignore at your peril.
- Step out of your comfort zone
Stepping out of your comfort zone creates a new perspective – we know this. Yet fear gets in the way and we get trapped, stuck in status quo – a place of stagnation and no growth. Be brave, step outside the comfort zone, take a journey to the edge and test the possibilities. This alone will strengthen you and give a massive boost to your self-confidence and self-belief. It empowers and engages. Stepping out of your comfort zone forces you to face your fear head-on. Imagine the possibilities and use this to fuel your bravery as you discover new opportunities and unlock new pathways to success.
- Stand in your spotlight
Don’t be afraid to be brilliant. Have the resilience to shine and follow your dreams of business and personal success. There is nothing wrong with making your own profile, or your own brand, as strong as you possibly can. Because it is only when you are operating from that position of self-leadership that you can truly give to others.
- Chase progress over perfection
Most of us instinctively spend time and energy seeking the big goals and achievements – those moments that are incredibly satisfying and equally, at times, hard to come by. Focusing only on the bigger goals can lead to disappointment and frustration, and whilst those big picture goals are important we often lose sight of the incremental successes and achievements along the way. Take time to acknowledge and recognise the small wins daily.
- Take action
Much of what we fear is the future. It is important to bring our overthinking mind continuously in to the present, focusing on what needs to be done right now and quite simply take action and get on with it. Action allows us to overcome fear and inertia because by taking action, by doing it anyway, by being brave and going for it, we feel back in control.
- Embrace decision making
When you hold back from making decisions out of a fear of failure, it engenders that same fear in others around you. This means lacklustre projects, an endemic inability to change the status quo, and a potential lack of future leaders around you. A large part of being brave is to risk failing, is making the tough calls, and showing those around you that this is OK.
It is those people who are willing to challenge themselves, who make themselves accountable for their own success, and ultimately their own happiness – who recognize the need to reach that little bit further or higher – who end up with the biggest satisfaction.
Be 5% braver than everyone else.
Dig deep and share your unique talent, your thought leadership, your expertise; create energy and that energy will drive change for you and those around you. It is those who take the leap, who face their fears who are able to create momentum in their success dreams. At the end of the day what will it cost you if you don’t at least try?
About
Janine Garner is the founder and CEO of LBDGroup and works with senior leaders to build high performing teams. She is also the author of From Me To We – Why commercial collaboration will future-proof business, leaders and personal success. Follow Janine on Twitter @janinemgarner. For more information visit http://www.janinegarner.com.au
