How Do You Handle Fear?
Every human being has certain fears and tribulations.
While it is perfectly normal and acceptable to have fears, what often distinguishes successful individuals from those less successful is their ability to "handle" and address their fears, and still act effectively.
Before one can address their fears, they must ask themselves what their fears are, and why.
What are your fears? Many people use as an excuse that they are afraid to take definitive action often because of their fear of failure.
For some, this means avoidance of certain tasks, such as avoiding giving public speeches, making eye contact, going up to people to have a conversation, making a decision, etc.
However, the reality is that in many cases, precisely what causes failure is avoiding taking action when needed.
In over three decades of training individuals in a variety of attitudinal and self help issues, I have always stressed that it is nearly impossible to succeed at anything unless you take some sort of action, which begins by making a decision.
This cause and effect phenomenon becomes even more apparent when one examines leadership effectiveness.
In order to strive to be a great leader, one must always go beyond their personal comfort zone, and do whatever is necessary.
Someone who begins a term of office without a vision obviously also does not have a viable plan.
Anyone in a leadership position who does not first identify his own fears, and then takes realistic steps towards addressing them, has predetermined "doom and gloom" for his administration.
For example, many in these positions fear "upsetting the apple cart" or "making waves.
" They were generally either elected in a popularity contest, or were elected because no one else wanted the position.
Real leaders must recognize that leadership is not about popularity, but must always be about achievements and accomplishments.
Some people in these positions do not feel comfortable giving public speeches, yet one of the essential duties of a leader is to motivate others to action, and to lead them to have them assist him in getting the organization to get to, or close to, his essential and important vision.
Obviously, some people begin as better speakers than others, but someone who wishes to lead, takes steps to make himself more comfortable in giving speeches, thus doing a more than adequate job.
Many people fear making decisions for a similar reason, with nearly always disastrous results.
Obviously, the "paralysis" caused by fear can be self- debilitating if not addressed.
I have come to the conclusion that for many people it is not merely the fear of failure that restricts their functionality, but often it is even more their fear of success that causes inaction.
What if they succeed? How will others perceive it? How will they handle their success? We all have fears.
However, what differentiates the "winner" from the "loser" is in one's recognition, ability and willingness to address their fears in a proactive manner!
While it is perfectly normal and acceptable to have fears, what often distinguishes successful individuals from those less successful is their ability to "handle" and address their fears, and still act effectively.
Before one can address their fears, they must ask themselves what their fears are, and why.
What are your fears? Many people use as an excuse that they are afraid to take definitive action often because of their fear of failure.
For some, this means avoidance of certain tasks, such as avoiding giving public speeches, making eye contact, going up to people to have a conversation, making a decision, etc.
However, the reality is that in many cases, precisely what causes failure is avoiding taking action when needed.
In over three decades of training individuals in a variety of attitudinal and self help issues, I have always stressed that it is nearly impossible to succeed at anything unless you take some sort of action, which begins by making a decision.
This cause and effect phenomenon becomes even more apparent when one examines leadership effectiveness.
In order to strive to be a great leader, one must always go beyond their personal comfort zone, and do whatever is necessary.
Someone who begins a term of office without a vision obviously also does not have a viable plan.
Anyone in a leadership position who does not first identify his own fears, and then takes realistic steps towards addressing them, has predetermined "doom and gloom" for his administration.
For example, many in these positions fear "upsetting the apple cart" or "making waves.
" They were generally either elected in a popularity contest, or were elected because no one else wanted the position.
Real leaders must recognize that leadership is not about popularity, but must always be about achievements and accomplishments.
Some people in these positions do not feel comfortable giving public speeches, yet one of the essential duties of a leader is to motivate others to action, and to lead them to have them assist him in getting the organization to get to, or close to, his essential and important vision.
Obviously, some people begin as better speakers than others, but someone who wishes to lead, takes steps to make himself more comfortable in giving speeches, thus doing a more than adequate job.
Many people fear making decisions for a similar reason, with nearly always disastrous results.
Obviously, the "paralysis" caused by fear can be self- debilitating if not addressed.
I have come to the conclusion that for many people it is not merely the fear of failure that restricts their functionality, but often it is even more their fear of success that causes inaction.
What if they succeed? How will others perceive it? How will they handle their success? We all have fears.
However, what differentiates the "winner" from the "loser" is in one's recognition, ability and willingness to address their fears in a proactive manner!
