FEAR!

We all have it, it’s in our nature and keeps us alive.  When there is physical fear, the feeling alerts us to get away to someplace safe.  When the fear is in our head (no tiger stalking you), it serves to make us more aware.  It’s an indication that something is happening which could mean we’re growing, taking more risk, or change is marching forward.

There is no need to deny the fear or ignore it; it won’t go away that way and it will begin to control our actions.  Better to face it as an emotion, like all the other emotions we have, and prioritize it so it won’t take over.  Fear, as with all our emotions, comes to the front when we focus on it.  Think about following emotions as members of your team who are all equal, not more or less important – we get to decide who is playing and who will sit on the sidelines.  You are the coach!

Team members:

Enthusiasm is pumped up and ready to go – smiling at everyone around.

Anxiety is pacing around and feels like getting sick.

Abandonment Issues wants to end things before they begin, but agrees to hang in for a little while.

Confidence is feeling steady and focused, knowing it is yours to win.

Insecurity understands if you don’t want him in play.

Pragmatic feels that the odds are stacked in your favor and that anything can happen.

Love looks around to say that everyone on the team is amazing and that she believes in every single one of you.

Fear picks on all the other team members questioning the motives and abilities of everyone around.

As coach it’s time to lead.  You agree with Love that everyone is amazing.  You call Enthusiasm to be in front with Confidence and Pragmatic close behind.  Abandonment Issues must trust his instincts and will know when to pass the ball.  Anxiety is there to stay alert and will stay close to Confidence.  You ask Fear and Insecurity to play from the bench.

When you can see fear as just an emotion that’s hanging out with all of your other emotions, you gain some perspective.  It’s not superior, and it’s not inferior.  It’s just an emotion that you can choose to focus on or not.

Who are you going to choose to put on your team?  What will you concentrate on next time you’re faced with fear?  What do you do when your emotions try to take over your actions?  Leave your comments below.

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