Don't let Fear Manage Your Career
Fear can be crippling and, in many ways, it's the biggest threat to an individual’s personal success. Imagine all of the wonderful things we could accomplish in life if it weren’t for the burden of fear hanging like a dark cloud over every grand idea. While we like to assume it’s extreme competition or circumstance holding us back from fulfilling our goals, fear is generally to blame. If you’re ready to triumph over your apprehension of the future and gain better control over your career, consider the following steps.
Don’t ignore the fear. Suppressing a problem is like ignoring a flame in a dry forest – eventually it’s going to spiral out of control. Fear is much easier to manage when you address it head on. Ask yourself: what are you afraid of? Where did this fear come from? Sometimes we can trace our fear back to a comment made by a boss or coworker. Consider the source and get to the root of the fear.
Make a plan. Although it may sound silly, sit down and make a list of pros and cons of the situation causing you fear. If you’re afraid of an impending layoff in your company, consider the benefits and disadvantages to being let go from your current position. Devise a strategy – such as getting in touch with a recruiter ahead of the layoff.
Examine the outcomes. What is the worst-case scenario, and the best-case? Decide what you would do in either situation. For example, although you fear the possibility of job relocation, it may offer you new career opportunities or it may give you the push you need to start examining other job offers. By taking this step, you’re likely to realize that the worst outcome may not really be that bad after all.
Lastly, take small steps to reach your goals. If an upcoming deadline is the source of your fear, attack the project in small chunks. Set small daily goals that are in line with your end objective. You may find that you tackle the project and reach your goal much faster than you ever expected.