Soundbite: Overcoming Fear
“I may be destined to be the lamb for the feast, but nevertheless, it is foolish to offer to set the table for the wolves.” It’s a phrase I coined one time before I was about to go before a board of review for a big project. It essentially means don’t defeat yourself before you start the challenge. Be confident in your skills and your preparation, and go forward with confidence, and you will prevail.
– Greg Sheeley, 3M
Fear of spiders? Avoid them. Fear of decisions? Make them. Fear of flying? Xanax.
– Suzanne Rothwell, Columbia College
I ask myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Then I actually make myself visualize the answer. It’s never as terrible as my fear would have me think it is, and that helps me take that first step to overcoming the nerves.
– Megan McConachie, Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Take time to think, pray, and analyze of what you are really afraid. Make a list of all of the things that could happen because of that fear. Decide what the impact is of the bad thing happening. Write three things that you would do next if those things happen. If you lost your job, a loved one died, you got sick — any plan is better than panicking and eating Cheetos under the covers in a dark room. Next to your plan, put one good thing that may happen because of that. Decide who, if anyone, can be there for you as you face that fear. It’s not always the same person, and sometimes, the answer is no one — you must do it yourself. That’s OK, but to know a thing is the first step in conquering it.
– Heather McGee, Zimmer Radio Group
It’s like the saying about eating something you’ve never had before: you never know until you try.
– Kalynn Ramsey, Alternative Community Training
I think that rather than overcoming fear, we’re better served by embracing it. Fear gets stuff done. Whether in business or anywhere, if you’re not fearful, at least occasionally, you’re not in a position to innovate, make a difference, or truly live to your fullest potential. Fear can save your life, and it can also change it for the better.
– JD Calvin, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Sometimes you have to “do it afraid.” The longer you take to face any problem, the worse it becomes.
– Tony Richards, Clear Vision Development Group
Nine times out of 10, I am terrified to do something new. So I take a deep breath, put my big girl pants on, and do it! Think of all the new adventures, people, and experiences you might miss out on because you are afraid to get out of your comfort zone.
– Laura Roeder, Pure Barre