There is an acronym FEAR false evidence against reality Fear is worry about the future, It’s the what if.  We all have it It can paralyze us or we can use it to push forward. When we take risks in business there is fear; am I doing what is right?

In today’s world there is a lot we fear; are we safe from Covid, how will inflation affect us, climate change, Ukraine and whatever else is on your plate.

Peter Shankman an avid sky diver was asked if he was scared when he jumped from 3 miles high. He said he is supposed to be scared. It means the body is doing the right things necessary to keep him alive, starting with experiencing fear. Fear increases your heart rate, which gets more blood pumping through your body and into the muscles that need them. Fear increases the size of your pupils, so you can see better. Same thing with anything that scares you. The key is to embrace your fear. To let it wash over you, and to channel the energy, the excitement, and the chemicals it produces, and use them to your advantage. Fear will save your life, every single time, as long as you don’t let it paralyze you. As long as you listen to your fear and let your gut guide you through tricky situations, you’re probably going to come out of them alright. But if you let your fear CONTROL you (which is different than letting it guide you,) then you’ll freeze up, and you won’t do anything. And you know who absolutely LOVES humans who freeze up and don’t move out of fear? Saber-toothed Tigers.

Embrace your fear. Be afraid, and do it anyway.

There’s a brutal truth in life that some people refuse to accept: You have no control over many of the things that happen in your life. Some people who resist this truth become control freaks. They micromanage, refuse to delegate tasks, and try to force other people to change. They think if they can gain enough control over other people and the situations they find themselves in, they can prevent bad things from happening.

Others know they can’t prevent bad things from happening, but they worry about them anyway. They fret about everything from natural disasters to deadly diseases. Their worries keep them occupied, but ultimately they waste their time and energy, because worrying doesn’t do any good. Remember fear is worrying in the future and unless you have an amazing crystal ball to predict it, you don’t really know what will happen. All you can do is get facts, check equipment , control what you can and let go of the rest. Be flexible and adaptable

6 things that can help:

1. Determine what you can control.

Examine the things you have control over. You can’t prevent a storm from coming, but you can prepare for it. You can’t control how someone else behaves, but you can control how you react.  Sometimes, all you can control is your effort and your attitude. When you put your energy into the things you can control, you’ll be much more effective.

2. Focus on your influence.

You can influence people and circumstances, but you can’t force things to go your way. To have the most influence, focus on changing your behavior. Be a good role model and set healthy boundaries for yourself. When you have concerns about someone else’s choices, share your opinion, but only share it once. Don’t try to fix people who don’t want to be fixed.

3. Identify your fears.

Ask yourself what you are afraid will happen: Are you predicting a catastrophic outcome? Do you doubt your ability to cope with disappointment? Usually, the worst-case scenario isn’t as tragic as you might envision. There’s a good chance you’re stronger than you think. (Remember the elephant doesn’t know how strong he is)
Sometimes we get so mired in what is the worst we don’t realize that sometimes the worst case isn’t the worst. Look at options

4. Differentiate between ruminating and problem-solving.

5. Develop healthy mantras. Just like the phrase used at Disney, What would Walt do, have a phrase that will help you refocus. Sometimes just saying oh well w2hen something isn’t working or you don’t have control can help you move on and adapt 

While it may not always feel like it, you are in control of your life. Amid uncertainty and anxiety, your talents are a gift you can rely on to guide your journey and overcome professional and personal challenges. Stay connected to your feelings. Validate them. Be present today. Focus on today

Ten ways to fight your fears
  1. Take time out. It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re flooded with fear or anxiety. …
  2. Breathe through panic. …
  3. Face your fears. …
  4. Imagine the worst. …
  5. Look at the evidence. …

  1. Don’t try to be perfect. …
  2. .Visualize a happy place. …
  3. Talk about it.
  4. Go back to basics, sleep food exercise
  5. Reward yourself

Remember this too shall pass!