Halloween is quickly approaching, and with it brings some pretty explicit examples of fright. For some, the opportunity to intentionally be scared is something they are willing to pay money for (consider all those haunted houses and amusement parks that are so popular this month). Others go to the extent of avoiding something as benign as turning on the nightly news because they don’t want to hear about another devastating natural disaster or misalignment in our government.
But what about the fear that we can’t avoid by burying our heads in the sand? Even if we are passionate about our jobs, work is our livelihood. If we channel it correctly, work fear (think impending project deadline, preparing for an important customer pitch, etc.) can drive us in helpful ways. Though if we let it overwhelm us and take over, we can self-sabotage. Read on for a few ideas about how to turn your fear into an advantage.
YOUR FEAR IS LIKELY IRRATIONAL...AND WILL PROBABLY NEVER HAPPEN
Many of us have the tendency to let our minds wander. This can be a huge asset, as it can lead to innovation and new creative approaches. However, when we start allowing that mental walkabout to go to a dark place, we begin to tap into our fears. We focus on the chaos of the situation we are contemplating rather than the opportunity it might present. Rather than focusing on doomsday, take a walk down memory lane. Did the fears of your past ever materialize into anything? Likely no. When we think rationally, we can work through it and let go of the fear and move forward.
Of course, sometimes fear isn’t irrational. However, our ability to work through our thinking is still relevant. Apply the same thinking as from above. Worst case scenarios and the bad outcomes we dream up rarely come to fruition.
YOU ARE MORE RESILIENT THAN YOU THINK
Let’s be realistic. Sometimes bad stuff happens, and our fears are realized. And yet, even when that happens, it is rarely ever as bad as we thought it was going to be. Sure, maybe I bombed a presentation in front of my colleagues, but is the world ending? Maybe just for the moment. However, if I can turn that experience into a learning, I’ve turned a dreaded situation into a positive outcome. Just take a deep breath. Remember you’ll push through this. And if you reflect back on your career in terms of what you are most proud of, you probably will point to how you powered through a difficult experience and you ended up in a better place as a result.
GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Consider all the things you’ve been successful at during the course of your career. Of course, there will be stress and fear along the way, if we expect to move forward. When we let these emotions overtake us, we stagnate. Who wants that?! Work daily to challenge yourself out of your comfort zone, and into your stretch zone. Get comfortable with discomfort. It’s an awesome outcome of growth.
Sometimes, being scared out of our wits can be exhilarating. That typically comes when we actively seek out and embrace the fear; like intentionally being scared by watching a horror movie or daring to ride on an upside down roller coaster. Perhaps it’s because we chose that activity, and feel somewhat in control as a result. However, when we lose control and let our fears drive us, we miss major opportunities for learning, growth, and progress. Take a deep breath, embrace the fear and drive forward. You’re likely to be glad you did.
Christina Luconi is Chief People Officer for Rapid7. Follow her on Twitter: @peopleinnovator.