Fearful or Careful

Fear is one of the greatest enemies of progress. We all have to overcome it, but it can be hard to identify fear. Fear can often be rationalised and disguised. Here are 3 steps to identify if you’re being careful of fearful.

1.Planning or catastrophising? Are you weighing up options, planning how to execute a necessary change or are you rationalising why the change can not happen or will be too difficult to execute? The former approach will lead to action the latter procrastination or inaction.

2.Prioritising or distracting? Often when we have to face a big issue or deal with complex change we take on a number of diversionary behaviours when we are acting out of fear. Fear of dealing with difficult issues keeps us engaged in non essential activities and distracts us from dealing with priorities.

3. Accountable or excuse making? Commiting to milestones and key actions is hard to achieve when operating from fear. It can be easier to make excuses than to be accountable.

Setting out a plan or goal and then staying the course irrespective of setbacks is one of the the essential requirements to achieve success. It’s very tempting to stop when difficulties arise. Yes life will get in the way of the best laid plans but determination and tenacity to overcome challenges will ultimately lead to breakthroughs. It boils down to a choice. You can either find a way to make things happen even if there are difficulties and timescales change or you can find excuses and risk stagnation.