What are you afraid of?
If I asked my grandson this question, he would reply, “Monsters under my bed.” I know that those reading this aren’t afraid of monsters, but I am sure there is something that you are afraid to do. When I reflect on my early career, I was often afraid to share my opinions in meetings. For you, it might be taking on a new project, public speaking, networking, or trying a new hobby. From my own experience, I would say that people are afraid of failure or looking foolish. You could choose to stay on the sidelines or take a risk but where should you start? Face your fear head-on. Ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that can happen?”
If you are taking on a new project and assuming you are truthful in your capabilities, then if you do fail, it is likely not going to be catastrophic and you can plan for missteps in advance. I like to run through scenarios like “if this, then that.” For example, “If I find that the project may go over budget, I can review remaining budget items to cover this shortfall.” Or “If I encounter a task that I don’t know how to complete, I can request information from a knowledgeable colleague.” Make a list of the things that could go wrong and what you can do to mitigate them which should make you more comfortable taking on a new challenge.
If you make an ill-timed or naïve comment in a meeting but are genuine and do so without malice, then people will be forgiving of you. Everyone has done it. To avoid this, think through how you can be best prepared for the meeting. Read meeting materials before the meeting giving yourself time to research items that you are not as knowledgeable about and prepare a list of questions or comments in advance of the meeting. Share your thoughts before the meeting with a trusted colleague to gauge reaction and support.
If you are a little awkward when networking, remember that most people are thinking about how they are coming across and not about you. To be less awkward, work on your elevator pitch using your own words. Get comfortable with it. Ask people about themselves and what they do. Be a good listener and look for ways in which you can genuinely connect with that person.
There will be situations in which you are uncomfortable. Planning what you will do, say, and how you will react in certain situations will go a long way in helping you overcome your fear. Only by trying can we learn and, in the end, remember the old saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Do you need some help overcoming a fear? Book a free discovery session through my website.