Many coaching clients want to overcome fear. They want to develop courage to step out of their comfort zone, take risks and face their fears.
This might include:
· Giving feedback to someone
· Speaking up for something they believe in
· Challenging the status quo
· Saying no, establishing boundaries
· Public Speaking
Stepping out of our comfort zone and into our stretch zone to do something challenging helps us to develop, grow and flourish. The result is our comfort zone and confidence expand. The opposite is to stay in our comfort zone, which remains small and we becoming stuck and stagnant.
Here are my top tips to encourage clients to overcome fear, take action and move forward?
1) Preparation.
Being well prepared will help you feel confident and able to step out of your comfort zone. This might include getting clear on what it is you want to achieve, preparing talking points, training, rehearsal, getting help from a mentor or a coach.
2) Positive Thinking.
Approach challenges and difficult situations in a positive and productive way. Think the best is going to happen, not the worst. Practice positive self-talk. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. Challenge any doubts or negative thoughts you may have.
3) Mental Rehearsal.
The ability to visualise a successful performance in advance of actually doing it is a skill that can enhance performance. This technique is often used by athletes who visualise a successful performance in advance of the real performance. It can build confidence and courage.
4) Practice.
Brene Brown writes in The Gifts of Imperfection: “Courage is…a habit, a virtue: You get it by doing courageous acts. It’s like you learn to swim by swimming. You learn courage by couraging.” Keep practicing whatever you’re afraid of doing and you will get better at doing it and feel more courageous.
5) Growth Mindset.
Cultivating a growth mindset means believing that you can improve your abilities through dedication and hard work. In contrast, a “fixed mindset” is characterised by the belief that a person’s talents and abilities are unchangeable. A growth mindset cultivates confidence. You’re not obsessed with perfection and can embrace the growing process and thrive. Think about doing something new as a test or experiment which will be refined and improved over time.
Is there something that you want to do and have been putting off because you feel some fear? Use the tips outlined above, step outside your comfort zone and give it a go. That’s where you grow and where the magic happens.
If you’re interested in finding out more about coaching, contact me and let’s have an exploratory conversation about what you would like to be different in your life.
I’m a qualified and accredited coach with a successful track record or working around the world with international companies and clients. I coach Face to Face or via Zoom/Skype/Facetime