Moving Through Fear

"Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re probably right."

Philip Sweany

One paradox in life seems to be that the more you try to make your fears and anxieties go away, the harder it is to rid yourself of them.

Do you feel awkward and vulnerable when you put yourself in unfamiliar territory even when you know that taking risks and stretching yourself are important to your success?

Do you wonder if you have what it takes, if you are skilled enough, smart enough, if you can really pull it off to actually complete a life goal?

These fears are universal, especially during low moments. It’s easy to lack confidence after committing to a new plan of action, even when your qualifications are outstanding.

Here’s one secret to success...

Successful people learn to keep pushing forward — even in times of uncertainty. They believe that they can learn what they need along the way or that they can get the right people to help them. Your self-confidence will catch up.

Self-confidence follows action.

Successful people have learned to put one foot in front of the other and keep taking actions. Every time you face your fear and take action, your confidence increases.

So the question becomes, are you willing to go beyond your comfort zone into unfamiliar territory? Are you willing to move through fear? Are you willing to go beyond who you currently know yourself to be?

Are you willing to adopt a stance of dogged determination, even in the face of uncertainty?

Here’s an example from my own life...

When I began my coach training, it meant building a practice all over again. I had built a successful psychotherapy practice. But it had been many years since I had to market myself or step out of my comfort zone professionally.

I had doubts.

I was far removed from having to take any risks. I was comfortable and secure in what I could do. I had a solid reputation. So why would I want to start something new – and build another practice...from scratch?

Because it was exciting – and something I wanted to accomplish.

I could have kept doing what I was doing for the rest of my career, but I felt drawn to coaching. I wanted to lead, to inspire others, and not only “treat” patients. Coaching embodied everything good about psychology.

I chose to adopt this stance:

“You can’t tell me that other people can build a coaching practice and I can’t do it!”

I refused to believe that I could not do what others had done before me.

So I set my sights, committed myself, studied hard and began to put one foot in front of the other.

There was a lot to learn. I could barely send an email. In fact, I was practically cyber illiterate.

So, in addition to learning coaching skills, I had to learn computer skills – now I was definitely out of my comfort zone!

And there were lots of ups and downs – mountains to climb and valleys to tumble into. There were low moments and exhilarating highs. Whenever I felt down or scared, I returned to the stance that served me so well.

“You can’t tell me that other people can build a coaching practice and I can’t do it!”

I accepted the fear and doubt as part of the process. Although uninvited, they came along with being willing to take a risk and build a richer and more rewarding professional life for myself.

Throughout this process, I kept comparing my experience to writing my dissertation – another expedition of sorts. But the biggest thing that kept me going was knowing that others had climbed the same mountain.

It was like harnessing the collective wisdom of all the great coaches who have come before me.

You may not be the most brilliant person in your chosen profession – I certainly wasn’t. But there have been many brilliant people who never achieved their life goals and dreams because somewhere along the way, they stopped.

If you keep moving through fear, no matter how small the steps, you will get to the summit . . .and beyond.

By Carol Solomon