EP 197 - How Not To Let Social Phobias Derail You

I have a Social Phobia.  It produces extreme reactions in me. 

I am a stress and wellness speaker.  I can stand up in front of hundreds of people.  However, put me into a situation where I am being graded, evaluated, or tested and I fold. I think that I have FNE or fear of negative evaluation.

This became obvious when I went to a karate grading.  It wasn’t even really being graded, it was being pre-graded for my black belt.  When the big day came, it overwhelmed me. 

When I think back, I know that this happened at every skating competition and every piano recital.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Stress Awareness Month:

Many employees hate the performance appraisal to the point where they make them physically ill.  Often in these situations, they miss any positive comments and hear only the areas that were cited as needing to improve. 

As employers, flexibility is needed.  Not all performance appraisals need to be delivered in person.  Allow people to choose how they want to proceed. 

If you have a social phobia, know that to overcome a fear takes work. You need to slowly learn how to challenge some of the unhelpful thoughts that the fear generates.

Expose yourself to your social phobia in a safe way.  Plan and practice your stress strategies ahead of time so that they are like second nature during your exposure.

Ask for help.  Let others support you during those stressful times.

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com