by Greg Hague
You refused to attack. It was fear, the dream killer; it held you back.
Calls you failed to make. Opportunities you didn’t take. Times you should have raised your hand. People you were afraid to walk up and meet.
What is fear?
Let’s dissect this ugly ole’ thing. You can’t conquer what you don’t understand.
Fear is mental theater with you on the stage.
It’s visualization – a fast moving, flash-forward sequence that unfolds in your head.
You’re the star…the central character in a play with an unfortunate end.
It’s self-imposed failure; an imagined travesty deep in your mind.
How do you beat fear?
Do what actors do:
First – Don’t try to pretend fear isn’t there. It is.
Second – Realize most fears are “no downside” fears. Embarrassment. Rejection. Disappointment. Hurt feelings. You have nothing to lose but a mental bruise. The real harm comes from not taking the risk.
Third – Learn, practice, drill, rehearse. Nothing subdues fear more than being prepared.
Finally…visualize, visualize, visualize.
Imagine a perfect performance. You make the sale, wow the audience, ace the test or win the race. Picture yourself emerging to the applause of a roaring crowd.
The Takeaway?
The goal isn’t to ignore fear, it’s to excel in the face of fear.
Over-prepare. Take control of your mind. Visualize perfection time and again. See yourself a star, a winner, a success at the end.
And remember…the real downside is letting fear keep you from taking the risk. That’s what you’ll look back and regret.
