An important skill in career advancement is the ability to manage fear for advancement. The objective isn’t about ignoring or hiding from feelings of fear, it’s simply about managing them when they appear. To pretend they don’t exist or get down on yourself when they show up just keeps you stuck in the low-level energy of these emotions and further away from your success.
Have A Clear Vision
One of the best ways you can manage your energy around fear is to have a clear, powerful vision of what you want. Great success stories start with a compelling vision that pulls you forward, even on those days when you are feeling very doubtful. So you have to ask yourself—what’s my vision?
Focus Your Vision
Too many professionals float along, believing they have a vision when they don’t. I often hear things like: “I want to make a difference.” This is not a vision. If you REALLY do want to make a difference, then your vision must be clear, focused, and electrifying! It’s got to get your heart pumping and specifically zero in on how you will make a difference.
Provide Clarity
Another example I often hear sounds like this, “I want to improve company revenues.” Again, this is nothing more than an unclearly spoken minor goal. This lack of clarity is a true “Come on in!” for all those fears and doubts. The more vague you are, the more room for the mind to say, “You can’t do that. How are you ever going to make that happen?”
Root for Yourself
Every time you feel a pang of fear or doubt, it’s a message that something is off track from your vision. So you gently guide yourself back. Give yourself some powerful self-talk (I CAN do this!) and begin releasing the fear as you put one foot in front of the other.
Attach A Timeframe
What do you want more: fear or success? If you chose success, clearly state WHAT you are inspired to create. So instead of the loose “I want to make a difference” story, envision something state-of-the-art, specific, juicy, dripping with the details of what excites you and attach a time frame to it. Go for it! How does that feel? Now, what are you willing to do to create that?
Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Continue to develop techniques that are easily available to you, which you can grab onto during times of fear and doubt, which can help to restore your energy and confidence. Accept that this road will become smoother, but it will be constant. As a professional, you are on a constant road of growth and expansion. Better to embrace all that comes with that; otherwise, you’ll stay right where you are. As I always say, step outside of your comfort zone.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!