Watching my son Sawyer at the top of his first steep, tree-lined run in deep powder, reminded me of this timeless lesson. He was frozen in fear. Looking back on it, he said, “The top was big scary! The skiing was fun and even the falling was fine. Getting up was hard, but not scary.” I had the same experience when I dropped in off the cornice the same day. I still clearly remember my first time at the top of a blue run at Blue Mountain near Toronto, and how long I was frozen by fear. Once I moved the fear receded dramatically.
It is the same in business. I remember the first time my mentor wanted me to reach out directly to the VP of Purchasing at GM. It was very scary for me until I did it and the fear abated. I had the same experience asking for a promotion or raise, or asking my girlfriend to marry me or deciding to have children. And each week writing Friday reflections or releasing a new episode of Life In Transition podcast (There are more coming!), I have fear thinking about. But as soon as I take the action the fear disappears.
As I told Sawyer when he was frozen at the top the run, just go! It doesn’t matter so much which line down the run you choose, taking action, any action, will abate the fear. The action, especially when there is a lot at stake, takes your full attention and brings you into the present, into the NOW, where fear can’t live. Fear is only in the future.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it! Boldness [action] has genius, magic, and power in it” – Johan van Goethe.
The key to overcome the fear is action. Begin! Take the firsts step. Make the call to your customer. Set that meeting with your boss. Have the Courageous Conversation with your colleague or spouse. Sign up for that race, or class. Point your skis down the run and go!
Where has fear kept you frozen? What’s the smallest action you can take to get started?
