When is the last time you experienced FEAR? Real fear.
When I coach people to be onstage, I often say that fear and excitement are related, two siblings or even cousins. I talk about how the two emotions are closely related, but recently I completed my first triathlon and experienced a HUGE dose of fear. I wasn’t afraid of the cycling or running portion, but swimming in the ocean? That really scared me .
It’s very different from the comfort of a swimming pool. Sometimes it’s hard to kick fear into the excitement category. I tried to tackle it head on. I did whatever it took to convince myself I could do it. Fake it til you make it.
In the future, I’ll be VERY careful when I encourage clients to convert their fear into excitement. Yes, I still do believe that they are related, and it is possible to move toward feeling excited versus fearful, but after being scared to death off the pier in Capitola, CA for my 1st Mermaid Triathlon in 2011, I have a whole new respect for FEAR.
The truth is I think we can learn to co-exist with our fear. Experience it. Face it head on. Respect it. But don’t let it prevent us from moving forward. For me it was only after going through the fearful experience several times that it became easier. So, whatever scares you, I suggest you attempt it more than once before giving up or caving in. Let your courage kick in and stand beside the doubt.
I’m curious what other people’s experience with facing FEAR is like. Care to share?