Fear binds to the present.
Paralyzing fear pats you on the back when nothing changes.
Fear cheers for the status quo.
Fear says; don’t stand out because you’ll:
- Look foolish.
- Screw up. (You will)
- Get in over your head.
- Lose what you have.
- Seem arrogant. Others aren’t standing out. What gives you the right to think you can?
Fear of loss and criticism prevents you from doing what matters.
How to matter most:
Forget and shift:
- Forget about being in charge. Stop thinking leadership is authority, power, command and control. Shift to serving. Bring benefit. What’s the good thing you can do for others?
- Forget about final results. Focus on the path forward. Meaningful results never happen all at once. How can you make a difference today?
- Forget about one. Think two. An ancient proverb says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor.” Everyone needs a “with.” Who can you stand with? Who can stand with you?
- Forget about old guard leaders who are fear-driven, controlling, and self-protective. Pass them by. They need you to be like them.
- Forget about fanfare and recognition. Do things quietly. Spotlights come later, if at all.
Bonus: Forget about permission.
Courage:
Above all, doing what matters takes courage.
Courage is taking action while thinking of reasons not to.
Deep courage is bringing you to opportunities and challenges. People who matter, ask:
- What does better look like?
- How does my story apply to this challenge?
- What can I do?
- What can we do?
The path:
- Start small.
- Start now. Starting is the most important thing you’ll do today.
- Start “with.”
Courage needs a next step; fear needs a guarantee.
How can people overcome paralyzing fear?