TSL #016: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety When Navigating Transitions
Read time: 3 minutes 25 seconds
People all over the country are experiencing tremendous change—professionally, personally, interpersonally. So much change. And how long will this pace of profound change continue?
Sometimes the change you experience comes in the form of smaller disruptions...sometimes in bigger life quakes. Recent research suggests that there are anywhere from 36 to 52 different types of change...and most of them are the small ones that happen every 1-2 years. These are called disruptors—which aren’t necessarily negative: they could include marriage, having a child, changing jobs, moving, retiring. They're smaller but not insignificant. And they happen more often than many people see a dentist.
The research also shows that 1 in 10 of those disruptors actually becomes a life quake...a massive life change (e.g., caring for aging parents... health challenges... divorce). If you do the math, that’s 3 to 5 times in our lives. Plus, the average length to navigate the massive change is 5 years. Which means we’re talking up to 25 years—or roughly half of our adult lives—spent in life quakes.
Amid these chaotic periods with emotional ups and downs, fear and anxiety loom large…and hamstring our efforts. Especially because so many people are navigating transitions alone and without direction. They might turn to their friends or family, but they might not feel safe sharing what’s really going on inside of them. Even worse, they might be the recipients of projection and receive bad counsel.
Fear and anxiety can be difficult for anyone, especially when making a change in our lives. If you've enjoyed success throughout the years, the pressure to succeed and the constant uncertainty can trigger self-doubt and anxiety, making it difficult to move forward. But fear can also be a powerful motivator when used correctly.
Here's how to turn fear into fuel for your successsatisfaction.
WHAT TO DO
Identify Your Fears: The first step in turning fear into fuel is identifying what scares you. Write down your fears and take a closer look at them. Are they based on reality, or are they irrational? Understanding the root of your fears can help you overcome them. Ask yourself “Why” five times to get to the answer.
Reframe Your Thoughts: Once you've identified your fears, it's time to reframe your thoughts. Instead of thinking "I can't do this," think "I can do this, and I will succeed." Start small with neutral thoughts (e.g., “I'm a human with a brain that's trying to protect me.”) before working your way up with the ladder with bolder thoughts.
Take Action: One of the best ways to overcome fear is to take action. Start small and work your way forward. The more you accomplish, the more confidence you'll gain. Radical Sabbatical (my signature program) can provide the support and tools you need to take action and move forward.
Embrace Failure: Failure is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn't have to be a negative experience. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can help you grow and improve. Radical Sabbatical can provide a safe space to share your failures and learn from them.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused, reducing anxiety and fear. Radical Sabbatical offers mindfulness practices, including somatic exercises and hypnotherapy, to help you stay grounded and centered.
Turning fear into fuel isn't easy, but it's possible. With the right mindset and tools, you can use fear as a motivator for success. Radical Sabbatical offers the support and resources you need to overcome fear and achieve your big goals. Learn more by replying “Sabbatical” via email. Let's start turning your fear into fuel.
