Ep #21 Courage Over Fear: Recognising the Signs of Growth

Do you stop to notice the signs of growth? In this episode, I share the importance of doing just that. I have found the fear and anxiety often show up at the point of making a decision that will move me forward. So when I was confronted with a new situation this week, even though it felt more like a threat, I recognised it as an opportunity for growth.

 

Taking that step forward does not immediately cure the anxiety, but it is certain to move you forward. Perhaps for you, it isn't fear or anxiety. Maybe it is self-doubt. Maybe an abundance of adrenaline, whatever the signs are, it pays to know what that looks like.

Here are three steps to take when life demands that you step outside your comfort zone.

 

1. Know your anatomy.

Understanding your mind and how it functions when you're under pressure will go a long way towards helping you progress. But that's not all, knowing the various parts that make up the challenge or obstacle is just as helpful. For example, you will begin to recognise the weak points where you can leverage your strength. 

 

2. Keep your vision in front of you

Often, we come so close to the obstacle that it obscures our view of the future we have imagined. Take a few steps back, and fix your eyes on your destination. Just like the sprinter who does not look at the hurdles in a race, he looks at the finish line- but for that to happen, there must be a finish line within view.

 

3. Revisit old landmarks

If you are going to play bigger, grow your business or leave your fulltime job to do what you've always wanted, life would have placed a series of challenges on your path and you would have overcome them.

What does that look like for you? Go back in time to see how past opportunities showed up. Did they come with fear? Anxiety? Self-doubt? And what did you do? Did you press through, get help? How you have dealt with past difficulties will be a clue on how to address future ones.

 

This week, I want you to dedicate time to be curious about the obstacles you are facing. Write out your vision in detail, and revisit previous landmarks to identify how you overcame them and what emotions came with the change.

Then bring it all together and make some new decisions to embrace and not run away from the challenge you have been staring at.

 

References:

Episode 2: The Rock Star Story: Rising above the challenge