Fear. You got it. Know it.

Yeah, I know, you feel very capable.  However, EVERYONE has fears.  If you can be candid enough to understand your fears then you will be a better leader.

Our fears affect everything we do.  Often subconsciously.  Therefore taking time to better understand them can be incredibly valuable.

Let me just give you three examples to consider:

Trust

You do not trust someone.  The problem is not trust.  The main issue is fear.  Without the fear you would trust them, so the fear comes first.  You are afraid they will... whatever.

You have two options:  (1) Remove your fear.  For instance, if you believe God will protect you, then you do not have to be afraid.  You just have to be humbly discerning.  Or, you can choose to make the behavior of others that you fear an expectation rather than a fear.  Then because you expect the behavior it is no longer a surprise and you can design systems to limit or eliminate any negative impact.  (2) Remove the person from your business or personal life if their behaviors are unacceptable.

Winning

You want to win so bad that you fear failure, which paralyzes your ability to make timely decisions.  Too often you suffer from "analysis paralysis" and it bottlenecks the growth of your team.

Again, you have two options:  (1) Delegate more, but not all decisions.  Focus on asking questions to confirm risk and how to shut out competition.  This plays to your strengths, but then require a one-page summary of the opportunity.  You make your decision based on that information.  Decide overnight, no more.  (2) Organize a four-person team to make decisions.  You only get one vote and may not hold up key decisions that have reasonable risk. 

Esteem

This is another version where you fear failure.  You have an internal voice telling you, "I'm not good enough."  Therefore you are sensitive when competitors succeed while you struggle.  You do not quit activities that fill your schedule and move on as long as the "patient is still breathing."  If you stop something it feels like confirmation you are not good enough.  Another failure.

Yet again, you have two options:  (1) Set deadlines with accountability partners.  These are people you trust.  When you want to extend the deadline let them decide, not you.  (2) Narrow your focus.  Often one of your key problems is that you are over-extended.  Win in one thing rather than try to stay in the game in multiple activities.  Cut way back, and then expand slowly with accountability from others.

Fear affects everyone.

I hope you take a moment in your Sanctuary time, driving in the car, or working out, to consider your fears.  Mastering them is important for fully living your dreams.

Let me know if I can help in any way.  Do what you love.  Love what you do.  Lots of people have said this (it is a slogan of Life is Good apparel).  But it takes action to achieve.

David Russell

David is the Founder and CEO of Manage 2 Win.

https://www.manage2win.com
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