Achieving big goals, whether it is finding a new job, getting a promotion, increasing sales, or some other big goal requires you to do something you are afraid to do. Or think you can’t do. Doing things we have never done can be scary.
That fear – fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, fear of pain – can paralyze you. It can keep you standing on the edge of the cliff, staring across, longing for the prize on the other side but not daring to make the run for it. If you want to make that leap, but feel limited by your fears, use these four tactics to achieve your dreams.
Have you ever done anything scary in the past? Of course, you have. Remember a couple of those scary things. What were you afraid of? Remember your fears, how did they make you feel? What prompted you to take the leap and overcome your fears? In the end were those fears justified? Spend time contemplating the leaps you’ve taken, the pain (physical and emotional) that you were able to handle, and the rewards that came as a result.
What is the worst thing that could happen? Answer that question. Write down every single possible bad thing that could happen as a result of attempting to reach your big goal. Usually, once you have this list you realize it isn’t so bad really. You will probably realize that you have faced worse things in the past on your way to achieving other goals.
Find a role model. It helps to see someone else go first. Seek out people that have done what you want to do and learn how they did it. Ask them for a few minutes of their time to learn more about the journey they took. People love to talk about themselves, so don’t underestimate the power of flattery.
Find a cheerleader. A cheerleader will encourage you once you are on your way. When picking cheerleaders find people who will be unfailingly optimistic and positive. When you are on the road to making a big leap, you want to be surrounded by people who will regularly shout “You can do it!”
Take this approach and you will be on your way to accomplishing all your big goals this year. Now just take a deep breath and leap.
Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice
Rick has been a career consultant for almost 30 years, serving a very broad-based and diverse clientele. His specialties include effective group facilitation, one-on-one coaching and consultation at all levels including senior executives.
Rick’s passion is coaching individuals through career transitions, developing career management strategies and in identifying and sharpening competencies to open doors to new opportunities. His efforts have assisted thousands of individuals achieve their full potential.
Contact Rick at: [email protected]
