This is the time of year in the United States where people celebrate Halloween. This my least favorite holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I like the candy but there is nothing good for me by eating the candy.
What this holiday represents is the idea of fear. It celebrates fear and I want to suggest that the only thing to celebrate about fear is that it is our path to growth.
What do I mean by that? Allow me to reflect on the thoughts of some other people around this idea. I discussed this idea of fear in a past blog highlighting two perspectives on the idea, but this time I want to highlight how fear relates to growth.
The Ledge
Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff ready to jump off. Why am I standing there? Because I am tied to a rope and about to rappel down the side of a mountain. The nerves are high, and all types of thoughts go through my mind. Primarily “what if” scenarios. I must face my fear.
In his classic book Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill suggests:
“Fears are nothing more than states of mind.”
When looking over the ledge there is a legitimate concern that stepping off will end poorly, but what causes me to step off the ledge. I replace the state of fear with faith in the rope and those who hold it. The fear is real and what I focus on can make it decrease or increase.
As leaders we stand on the ledge of a choice to grow. Grow our team, grow our business, grow personally. The choice will take us into the fear zone which leads us to how we grow.
Stay Uncomfortable
In his book No Limits leadership expert John Maxwell discusses how to grow our capacity. He shares a story about an experience he read of a man’s month long training experience with a Navy Seal. At one point “SEAL” said to this man:
”If you don’t challenge yourself, you don’t know yourself.”
This is the state where as a leader you have to face the fear of the unknown and get uncomfortable. Kind of like stepping off the ledge even with all the “what ifs” flying through your mind. Only in this state of discomfort can we push the boundaries of ourselves and our team to determine what we can truly accomplish.
Be Wise
One last thought on fear. We don’t want to ignore it because it can warn us. We walk in a dark alley that does not feel right and we are afraid. This fear puts us on alert to impending danger so our senses are heightened.
We don’t want to be reckless as leaders. When looking over the ledge I was attached to a rope, but still was afraid. When looking at a new idea or opportunity, listen to the concerns your team mentions because there is a fine line between courageous and foolish you don’t want to cross.
Sit long enough with the fear to discern:
- Is this fear based on something that could destroy everything we’ve accomplished?
- Is this fear based on my selfish desire for comfort?
- Is this fear that I need to be aware of as a risk when I take the next step?
Fear is normal and healthy when we do not allow ourselves to get trapped. What causes us to get stuck? Believing something that is not true is true.
Where are you? On the ledge, too comfortable, or maybe reckless and not being wise? Take time today to look at the opportunity you’ve been thinking about yet holding back. Ask the questions above, get advice from trusted advisors, and when it’s time . . . step off the ledge. Lead Well!
© 2022 Wheeler Coaching Systems
