I was standing at my desk one morning typing away and then suddenly from the ceiling dropped a spider right in front of my nose!
Needless to say I jumped back a few feet and may have even made some noise because it startled me. Fear is an interesting thing. We all face it. As leaders we take risks and try to implement change. With this fear can creep in. How do you handle it?
Today I’m not going to give you a few principles but instead two perspectives on how we can approach fear.
False Evidence Appearing Real
Confession: I can’t really swim. You won’t find me in water where my feet can’t touch the ground. I did enough in college to pass my swim test, but water and I do not really get along. Why?
Really simple. Even though I know that I will float I tense up and don’t relax. In my head I think I
will drown if my feet can’t touch the ground. I allow myself to buy into the false evidence that I won’t float and think it is real.
As a leader you have a vision for where you want the organization or team to go. Maybe all you are focused on is the “evidence” of why this cannot happen. Maybe you are pioneering something new and all you see is the obstacles. Maybe a past fear is in your mind and you are focused on that evidence.
It has been said that what we focus on expands. If we focus on the false evidence and reasons why it won’t work when there is evidence how it can work, we will be paralyzed in fear. Whatever the vision is, choose to focus on the possibilities while still being aware of the obstacles. Move forward and identify what is true.
Forget Everything and Run
The first option is a way to move forward amidst fear. This second perspective unfortunately too often many of us take because it is easy. We respond like I did when the spider dropped in front of me. We run.
I remember when the shutdown of 2020 occurred and I was concerned about how I was going to provide for my family. How was I going to keep the business going? I started down the path of running from the fear by exploring other options and giving up on the business. Fortunately, that other option did not become a reality.
I was tempted to forget that things have always worked out in the past as I consistently did what I needed to do. Fear was causing me to be tempted to give up on the vision and run.
As a leader are you tempted to forget what got you to the place you are right now? Leadership is an uphill climb, and we will be tempted to quit. Remember what got you to the place you are. Focus on solutions. Surround yourself with people who will help you think how to move forward and call you out when you are trying to run. Gather a team that will climb the hill with you instead of running at the first sign of trouble.
Fear is part of risk taking and stepping out in courage. That is what leaders do. Instead of choosing either of these options, choose to keep taking the next step courageously moving forward amidst fear. Acknowledge the fear, but don’t allow it to drive you to run or get paralyzed.
Getting stuck in your fear? Contact me for a powerful coaching session to help you think into your leadership and break through your barriers. Lead Well.
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