Posted on October 4th, 2022.

I wish I could tell you that reading this post would make everything better. Or that if you follow these steps exactly, that you will conquer your fear and achieve great things in a day. I won't because I don't want to start this friendship off with a lie. However, I will tell you, that if you commit to incorporating these practices in your life, you will be more prepared and resilient when fear tries to hold you back. 

1) Understand Fear & Embrace It: Fear is a tool to keep us safe, so see the lesson and let it inform your actions, not limit them.

2) Don't just do something, stand there! Sounds backwards doesn't it? Performing an action, just because you think you should isn't always the best plan. Take note of the fear, make a plan, and attack with confidence.

3) Name the Fear. Claim power over your fear by calling it out, write it out and even speak it out loud. The more you ignore your fear, the more poisonous it becomes. Bring it to light, and minimize its effect.

4) Think long term. Again plan ahead; this month may be difficult but what seeds can you plant now to reap in a year? Two years? Three years from now? Next week?

5) Educate Yourself. The fear of the unknown is debilitating. Get the facts of your fear and face it with knowledge, not rumors.

6) Prepare, Practice, Role Play. Would you believe that the fear of public speaking comes second to the fear of death? I definitely can. The fix? Practice, Practice, Practice!

7) Utilize Peer Pressure. If you have friends that you can trust to uplift, support & encourage you, use that energy to face your fear.

8) Visualize Your Success. Close your eyes and envision that speech being a home run...requesting that promotion and see the positive response...see yourself after you've bought the new house.

9) Gain a sense of proportion. Give yourself a reality check. Should I really be afraid of this thing and why? What is the scale of the effect or what's the worst that can happen?

10) Get Help. If you realize might need some extra, ask a friend, mentor, or find a support group. Don't knows how to get started, reach out to @amethystbygrace for some ideas.

11) Follow others, find a recipe. Is this next step something new and completely unfamiliar to you? This concept may be novel, but chances are there is an established protocol and process.

12) Have a positive attitude. Resist the urge to be negative Nancy or Nelson. Keep pushing and adapt if what you are doing doesn't work. A "no" is not the end of the world.

13) Be willing to pivot. Things may not always work out, but keep in mind, nothing is solid. So, sit back, evaluate, and come up with a new plan.

14) Focus on others as your motivation. Would you put on a brave face for your kid? Mother? Best friend? Partner? If not for you, take a brave step for them.

So, what do you think? Can you knock that out in a week? No, of course not. But as I said, take your time. Chip away at this glacier one piece at a time. Give yourself grace and permission to get it wrong. I know you can do it!

Take care,

Grace S.