Seven Steps for Moving Through Your Fear
OK, I have a confession.
I really don't love being in photos or videos. There, I've said it.
I never think I look like myself in them. And apparently, neither do many of the people I meet face-to-face for the first time, who tell me that I look so much "better" in person. [Insert facepalm, eye rolls and blushing here...]
Before starting my coaching practice, this fear didn't impact my life all that much. Yes, I'd often try to sneak out of holiday photos. And luckily, I could pretty much stay behind-the-scenes at work.
But things are different now.
In these days of rampant social media usage, being visible has taken on a whole new meaning.
As a coach, I encourage my clients to be "unapologetically authentic"—open, honest and vulnerable both with themselves, and in the way they show up in the world.
I already am this in so many ways. But in striving to lead the way by stepping into and through my own fears, it'd become clear that there was one TINY area in my life which needed improvement.
Can you guess what it is?
In my business, I am the brand. The script has flipped from explaining the benefits of a facial cream to how services provided by yours truly, will improve your life.
As such, I realized that I needed to [gulp] show my face, share my personal stories and let my voice be heard in a much more public way.
I've been dragging my feet on doing videos and posting selfies for quite some time. But I'm excited to say, that I've broken through my resistance and have been sharing so much more of myself over the last few weeks. My writing has become more personal and I'm sharing videos of myself on social media.
Not only does it feel so good to be on the other side, but I'm actually having fun with it!
How was I able to do this? Why, I never thought you'd ask.
Here are some steps you too can take to help you move through your own fear.
Identify your priority.
Whether we're aware of it or not, we make choices based on whatever our top priority is. For a long time, mine was to stay small and safe.
It wasn't until my goal morphed into something bigger—living my bliss by supporting women in stepping into their greatest selves—that I've been able to come out of hiding.
Fill in your knowledge gaps.
Learn whatever you need to know so that you can start! But believe that a huge part of the learning comes from putting your knowledge into practice.
Get support.
This could come from other people in a class you're taking, from a coach or from a community that's are already doing what you want to do.
Kick start your action step by doing something out-of-the-ordinary!
Gaining knowledge only takes you so far. You need to combine the wisdom with action. Often, the first step is the hardest—so make it easy on yourself, and let it be fun!
Here's an example. When I needed to do a lot of writing recently, I had lunch at a beautiful hotel, and worked at the property all day.
What can you do to make your action step as pleasurable as possible? Do it and set yourself up for success.
Be willing to be a beginner.
Smile, shrug your shoulders and do your best. EVERY professional started out as a beginner. Take heart in knowing that once you do it, you'll no longer a total newbie.
Celebrate!
Do NOT skip this step! It's so easy to blow past something we've accomplished and move right onto our next to-do item. Please take a moment to recognize that you've just completed something you haven't been able to before. Be proud!
Trust me, as someone who regularly forgets to do this, these mini-celebrations will feed you later on when you get down on yourself. Bookmark this occasion as evidence that you ARE moving forward.
Keep practicing.
I promise, it gets easier. The more you take action, the more you'll learn and perfect along the way. And it will happen faster than you think!
Now it's your turn!
What have you been wanting try but haven't yet, because it terrifies you?
What's one thing you can do in the next 24-hours to move the needle closer to where you want to be? Take action right away, if possible.