Q: I have been wanting to make a change in my career for some time now but keep stopping myself for fear that what I really want to do won’t work out. What can I do to get over my fear?
A: Change, even positive change, can bring up fear. Sometimes, when we are trying to go for something new our “what if’s” stop us, often unconsciously. Here are some tips on how to overcome them.
First, acknowledge your fear. This might sound little but it’s actually very significant. Typically, we try and ignore our fears and/or pretend they don’t exist. It’s only by acknowledging them we can change it.
Explore your fear: Write them down, this takes your fears out of the dark and into the light, they are now outside of you. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen”? Do you fear failing in a new career? Let’s just say you did fail. Chances are you’d get another job. You’d be ok. Or maybe you fear people will judge you? Let’s just say they did, so what? The reality is people judge each other all the time regardless of what we do or don’t do.
Prepare for the worst and plan for the best. As if your new career wasn’t successful. What would you do? How would you handle it? If you were to go backpacking, you’d make sure you’re prepared if something went wrong, you’d have what you need to survive. It doesn’t mean you are going to need it but it sure gives you peace of mind knowing it’s there. That’s the idea here.
Finally, stay present, make a game of it, experiment & take small steps especially at first. This will keep you out of your “what if’s” and moving forward.
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