Harnessing the Fear That Comes from Stepping Up to a Higher Level

So you’ve set in place that new program, new product, new service or new launch that’s designed to take your business to the next level. At first you’re proud of yourself, but then you begin to focus on what you might do wrong…

• You micro-analyze your performance in the teleclass you just did, complaining that even though you had 100 participants, you should have had 200.
• You begin wondering if the right person is going to show up for your call or your offering.
• You worry that you haven’t priced it right and they can’t afford it.
• You tell yourself you should have said this instead of that.

Soon you discover that you’re having trouble sleeping—or you’re waking up anxious. Because of your fear you stop taking specific actions like calling a potential client or following up on expected tasks and e-mails. You even start missing deadlines.

Does this sound like you?

If so, rest assured that you’ve done nothing wrong. You’re actually right on target. The good news is that with the appropriate approach, such fear can be the key to great success.

There are three things you can do to transform your fear and reap success.

1. Recognize that you’re only having this fear because you’re stretching yourself. Stepping up to a higher level requires you to stretch and experience the discomfort that comes with trying something new in order to get what you want. People who don’t stretch won’t feel this. Instead, they’ll experience the regret of not gaining what they want because they haven’t pushed themselves
2. Transform fearful questions into empowering ones. Pay attention to the kind of questions you’ve been asking yourself and discover what you need to ask yourself instead. For example…

• Don’t ask yourself “Why aren’t more people showing up for my teleclass?”Instead, you need to ask, “What number of people do I want to show up, and how can I make that happen?”
• Likewise, don’t say, “What if the right person doesn’t show up?”Rather, you should ask, “Who is the ideal person for the program, and what would make them want to come?”

The answers to these new questions reveal the action steps you need to take.

3. Recognize your comparisons. Think about who you are comparing yourself to when you think you’re not doing enough—or not doing the right thing.

• Using the teleclass mentioned earlier as an example, if it had 100 participants and you felt it should have had 200, ask yourself, “According to whom or what standards?”You’ll probably find that you’re comparing yourself to someone who’s already doing better than you because they have more experience. Think about how they got where they are and recognize that it’s natural to compare yourself to those who are already doing better. When not used to judge yourself, such comparisons can serve to motivate, which can lessen anxiety.
• Look at your own growth. As a more useful comparative, notice what you have done since last month or last year. Recognize how much you’ve accomplished over time.

Keep in mind that while some fear can be good, too much can create paralysis. So put your fears to work for you, and step up to a higher level with confidence!

P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.

About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/