Being brave..

Something that means something different for each of us.

It may mean walking out on a bad relationship. It may be leaving the security of home and job to take a year off and travel the world. It may be leaving a job you hate or starting up your own business. It may be agreeing to stand up and present to 500 people.

I had a terrible fear of flying in my early 30’s. My first flight to the US was white knuckled terror for 14 hours. I knew that I had to overcome this irrational fear, as I really wanted to see the world. I found a way to ease my fear and comfortably fly, by visiting a hypnotherapist.

I went from terror, to being able to travel in a small plane from Kathmandu to Lukla airport in Nepal. (google Lukla airport to understand the significance) Would I do this again? I don’t think so. Was I scared? Yes! Importantly, we can all find ways to embrace and manage our fear.

I am still not a fan of flying – the Bay of Bengal between Singapore and India is my nemesis, however it is manageable.

Whatever fear means to you, in particular when it comes to your career, take a big breath, be brave and jump! This of course does not mean jumping without thought or preparation. You do not want to stand in front of 500 people unprepared. This has disaster written all over it and to be honest, you may never want to do it again (and may not be invited to!).

In business there are many things that you will encounter that make you downright scared. Major presentations, first time addressing a new team, or delivering in front of the executive team. Putting yourself forward for that promotion and interviewing, or maybe being the “new kid” in an experienced Leadership team.

You will have all heard of impostor syndrome (if not do some reading). Sitting there wondering what the hell am I doing here? What about applying for that new role? It has been well published that women feel they must be able to do everything perfectly before even thinking about applying. Why?

Being brave comes in all shapes and sizes and means something different to each of us. Sit down and think deeply about what makes you really scared in a business environment. If you worry about that team or executive presentation, what is it you are scared of? Looking silly? Being asked a question you can’t answer or feeling out of your depth?

Why do you not feel ready for that promotion. What is stopping you? If you had every single skill needed for the role nailed, you would be looking at the next role on.

Public speaking - Yikes! Who has not intentionally avoided this at some time? You are going to be at your most confident in any situation, if you feel prepared. Know you topic, do your research and practice, practice and practice some more. Seek out training or help as needed. Find someone you can role play with. Whatever it takes to make you comfortable. A very wise friend of mine once told me, you can never over prepare.

Once you take that step and jump, it may not be perfect, but you will be fine. If it does not go as well as you had hoped, just dust yourself off, learn from the experience and keep going. It will get easier and better as your confidence builds.

The challenge for each of us is seek out the things that make us most scared and lean into them. You might surprise yourself. Until next time Lisa