Take Action to Overcome Fear
According to Wikipedia, Fear is an intensely unpleasant emotion in response to perceiving or recognizing a danger or threat. Fear causes physiological changes that may produce behavioral reactions such as mounting an aggressive response or fleeing the threat. Fear in human beings may occur in response to a certain stimulus occurring in the present, or in anticipation or expectation of a future threat perceived as a risk to oneself. The fear response arises from the perception of danger leading to confrontation with or escape from/avoiding the threat (also known as the fight-or-flight response), which in extreme cases of fear (horror and terror) can be a freeze response or paralysis.
Further, fear is closely related to the emotion anxiety, which occurs as the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable. The fear response serves survival by engendering appropriate behavioral responses, so it has been preserved throughout evolution. Sociological and organizational research also suggests that individuals’ fears are not solely dependent on their nature but are also shaped by their social relations and culture, which guide their understanding of when and how much fear to feel.
Note the highlighted and linked words above — mostly synonyms and other related emotions and emotional conditions. Do the definitions of Fear, along with the highlighted and linked words apply to your mindset as you faced challenges and uncertainty?
However, fear is sometimes incorrectly considered the opposite of courage. Because courage is a willingness to face adversity, fear is an example of a condition that makes the exercise of courage possible.
Yes, Recession. Yes, Fear!
Over the past two weeks we had addressed surviving a downturn in the economy, and yes, in a recession. Whether just on the horizon or already in it, the effects of a recession are quite real. Strategizing and implementing action plans are all fine and good and of course, absolutely necessary but can only be effectively accomplished by recognizing and addressing fears. Yes, fear as we are in scary times!
It’s tough enough working through a period of economic challenges than compounding the difficulties with fear. The after effect could be debilitating with potential catastrophic results. The fallout from the same would be widespread. As such, the likelihood of indecision, poor decisions, and procrastination is very high, significantly compounding problems even more.
“There’s nothing to fear but fear itself” is a very true statement. Unfortunately, that may be easy to comprehend but it’s certainly not easy to act upon. Fear often causes action to be taken reactively as opposed to acting in a proactive manner. Reacting based upon fear can start a domino-effect that is difficult to stop.
Negative momentum builds and can quickly spiral out of control. So, it’s imperative to realize fears, act decisively and move forward without allowing fear to cause paralysis in decision-making and in taking action. Play to win as opposed to playing not lose!
Action Plan
So, what is it that you fear right now for your business as well as the challenges and issues that you may be anticipating in the near future? List them all.
Prioritize which ones you believe would be most urgent to address. Outline various action steps that could be taken to thwart the problem. Define various things that could be done to minimize each potential challenge or issue according to your list. Detail counts!
Be proactive in all areas of your business by asking yourself hard questions. Do so by thinking about ‘what if’ scenarios. Being proactive will make decision-making much easier and the right decisions more likely. Be sure to think of both simple and extreme situations as with a comprehensive proactive plan in place, the element of surprise will have been eliminated. This will make the transition from problem to solution much easier and less stressful than otherwise.
Assistance & Resources
The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important. So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate. You can reach me via a LinkedIn message, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797–9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com.
If you’re interested in having the Preparing for War: You vs. Recession series presented to your organization, either as a webinar, workshop or conference break-out session, please click HERE for more information. The program can be tailored to your business model, product, service offering and industry segment. It has been resonating quite well with franchise and restaurant brands. The series also works well as the structure for one-on-one coaching for business owners, founders, senior executives, and entrepreneurs — all according to well-defined goals. Complimentary initial consultation!
Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!
