[Part 2 of a series on Fear | Read 1 and 3]
If you’re purpose-driven, you likely take work seriously. You want your work to make a difference in the world. With so much pressure placed on your career, it’s easy to be filled with self doubt and fears:
- Am I doing the best job I can do?
- When will they realize I don’t deserve to be here?
- What if this project fails?
- What if I’m the reason it fails?
- What if everything I’ve done was for nothing?
If you struggle with these thoughts, try these tried-and-true methods shared by members of the Social Impact Learning & Support Group.
Short term strategies for facing fears
When you notice fear in your body and mind, focus on alleviating the immediate impact (e.g. difficulty breathing, tense muscles, spiraling dread, etc.).
- Get Present. Notice details in your environment. Say them out loud.
- Free Writing. Give space to your thoughts. Write out your inner conversation with fear.
- Breathe. In for 4, hold for 7, out for 8. Or any other way that works for you. There are apps for this!
- Exercise. Treat yourself to fresh oxygen and natural muscle relaxants.
- Draw Your Fear. Give your fear a physical form. It’ll feel so different when you can see it and hold it in your hands.
- Thank Fear. Tell it, “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
- Ask for Help. You don’t have to face your fears alone.
Long term strategies for facing fears
Long term strategies focus on building resilience through practicing compassion, empathy, and presence.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal. Write down 3 things you are grateful for each day.
- Meditate. Gateway to self-awareness, acceptance, happiness, reduced stress, and so much more.
- List and Review Fears. Keep a list of your fears and review it over years to see how your relationship with the list changes over time. You’ve likely made progress without realizing it!
- Practice Rejection. Collect rejection, failure, and big fat NOs. A great way to desensitize yourself to the fear of rejection.
- Ask for Help. Repeating this one because you really don’t have to face your fears alone!
Want more inspiration? We gathered more resources, affirmations, and questions to ask your fears.
They are shared in Part 3 of the Fear series. Check it out now.
Help is here for you.
One of the attendees of the SIGroup shared that she couldn’t find a support group for people going through career transitions until she found us. I’m glad she found us! If you or someone you know lives in the Vancouver area and is seeking a supportive community, please let them know about us.
If you (or they) prefer a one-on-one conversation, I’m here for you. Get in touch and we can arrange a phone/Skype call to kickstart a conversation. My specialty is helping you draw out your fears.
You can also sign up for emails to get tips like these in your inbox.