Fear Trumps Risk or Does Risk Trump Fear?
March 31, 2010 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to slip out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” –M. Scott Peck
When did you last feel uncomfortable in a business situation? How did you respond to that feeling?
Karen Van Cleve, IAC Certified Coach, Results Coach for Robbins Research Company and owner of Live Well Coaching, prompts people to notice how they approach discomfort.
For example, if you have put off a decision because the time isn’t right, consider chunking the problem into smaller details. Karen suggests asking, “Why is now not the time?” Or, you might say, “Is there a legitimate reason to wait?” “Is there something I am trying to avoid?”
If you feel you need more time, ask, “Specifically, how much more time do I need?”
“Where will the time come from?” For example, if you think that things will be different in the month of May, define “What specifically will be different in May?”
Children offer us the biggest mirrors for defensive behavior: anger displayed with tears or pouting expressions, blame that includes shouting, excuses or stonewalling. Emotion in these situations covers for something uncomfortable.
Every day dozens of entrepreneurs hang out their shingle. Some dive right into the fray, savoring the action from day one.
Others perfect their collateral, work on materials for behind-the-scenes, continue to research some aspect of the industry and in general, avoid doing the sales to move their business forward.
Does one action seem more natural to you than another? Recognition and awareness of your patterned response is the first step to changing it.
When you notice feelings of discomfort, pause and define your moment.
In the words of Brian Tracy,
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
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