Some people feel more fear and self-doubt than others. And, some are better at overcoming these emotions than others. Fear and self-doubt can negatively affect your workplace wellness to the point where you stop achieving at your highest level.
Regardless of where you fall on the fear/self-doubt spectrum, there are many things you can do to rise above these emotions and take control of your career trajectory!
Use this 6-step process to overcome fear and self-doubt at work:
1- Identify what you’re actually afraid of
What do you really fear? Most of us don’t have to worry about being eaten by tigers. Our lives are rarely in danger. The most common job fears are getting fired, and being disliked by your boss. Of course, there are others.
If you’re worried about getting fired? What skills can you strengthen?
Are you worried about asking your boss for a promotion? What is the real fear? They certainly aren’t going to hit you over the head with a rock.
Be aware of your actual fear, and then you’ll have a chance of addressing it.
2- Find situations related to your fear that are only mildly uncomfortable
Maybe your fear is that you have to facilitate a training for your peers, but you hate public speaking. What could you do that’s similar but less terrifying? You could:
Give a speech to a group of friends
Start conversations with strangers
Visualize yourself giving a speech
Speak up more during staff meetings
3- Take action
Thinking creates and magnifies fear. Taking action lessens fear. One of the best ways to get over fear is to immediately take action before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it.
Most people would be more successful, happier, and less afraid if they thought less and did more.
4- Give yourself small successes
Set yourself up to win. Make the game so easy that you can’t fail. As you gain confidence, up the stakes a little. Get used to being successful in the situations that cause you to feel fear.
If the thought of making 100 cold calls a day makes you break out in a cold sweat, give yourself the goal of making just one cold call. The next day, you can do three.
Show yourself that you can do it. Show yourself that nothing bad is going to happen to you.
5- Be realistic
What is the worst consequence you are likely to endure if the thing you fear comes true? It’s probably not anything you can’t handle!
What happens if your idea is rejected in the staff meeting? What if your training doesn’t go well? What’s actually going to happen to you? Will you still be safe? Will your family still love you?
Remember that when things don’t go well, it’s an opportunity to learn so the next time you’ll do better.
6- Get help
Whether you need some help from a friend or a professional, there’s no shame in getting help. You would get help if your car’s engine blew up. You’d get help if you had a broken leg. Get the help you need to deal with your fears.
Talk with a professional; a therapist, or a career planning expert so you don’t have to tackle things alone.
How much do you allow fear and self-doubt to rule your life? Imagine what your life would be like if you could overcome all of your fears and self-doubt.
Most people avoid the actions that trigger these uncomfortable feelings. You can do better. You can act in the face of these emotions and live your life to the fullest.
Ready to take action? This eBook offers actionable steps to do just that!
Face Your Fears – 10 Proven Techniques for Overcoming Worry and Anxiety
eBook – $12.99
Your Workplace Wellness is an important part of who you are and how you get things done. Overcoming fear to get to your most authentic, confident self is key to setting and reaching your goals!
This is a skill that isn’t taught during on-the-job training! Take this journey to overcome worry and anxiety so that you’re able to show up for yourself and achieve goals you’ve set but couldn’t reach.