Simple Ways to Overcome your Fear of Taking Massive Action

Simple Ways to Overcome your Fear of Taking Massive Action

 

Fear is almost crippling right now. But as a nonprofit leader, fear can’t get in the way of taking the action needed to keep your nonprofit afloat. Want to know a secret? Acting and putting away your fears can actually help you thrive in today’s circumstances.

 

Don’t fault yourself for being afraid of taking that big step–the massive action that needs to happen to realize your dream! It’s a natural response to moving out of your comfort zone. But while you shouldn’t rebuke yourself for feeling fearful, neither should you wallow in it so that you never get past it. When fear rears its ugly head, use these simple tactics to put it in perspective and move on.

 

Recognize fear is only a feeling

Fear can feel very, very real. But it’s only an emotion that survives and thrives when we dwell on it and start to believe it. The first step in mastering your fear of taking massive action is to remember to tell yourself that fear isn’t real–that it’s only a feeling that can’t hurt you.

 

Remember, everyone has experienced fear of failure

Everyone experiences fear before they try something new. Think Tony Robbins hasn’t experienced fear of failure? Sure, he has, and I’m sure he would tell you that himself. Everyone has experienced fear of failure, the fear of looking like a fool, the fear of losing friends when you become too famous, too wealthy, too thin, or whatever. When a moment of panic comes over you, imagine your role model and remember that they too have experienced fear. But they moved through it anyway.

 

Take the first small step

We’ve all heard Newton’s 1st Law of Motion: A body at rest tends to stay at rest, while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Notice that feeling of fear, and then take that first small step in spite of it. You will feel amazing after you’ve done that one little thing. You’ll realize that you can do it, and you’ll be excited to take that next step. Fear will be replaced by enthusiasm!

 

Use a lifeline

Sometimes we recognize fear for what it is but can’t seem to get over the hurdle anyway. That’s the right time to call in some reinforcements. Get ahold of a friend, colleague or family member who is totally on board with your goal. Talk to them about your feelings. Use them as a sounding board, ask for their advice or just come out and ask for a pep talk! This person loves you and has faith that you can achieve your goal, so you don’t need to worry about being embarrassed to tell them that fear has you in a paralyzing grip! They will support you through each step you take; sometimes all we need is to hear a person we love and admire tell us it will be all right.

 

FYI- I can be that lifeline. Email me!