Fear is a common response when we feel threatened or inadequate. However, fear is not always just a response to emergencies. Fear creeps in when we least expect it and can rob us of success. See how these fears can hold you back from WINNING…

• Fear of Failure

It’s not fun to get something wrong or miss a deadline. However, failure is not necessarily something you have to fear. In fact, it is inevitable that you will fail at some point in your life. Instead of drowning in self-pity or self-doubt, learn how to turn those failures into a positive learning experience. Evaluate what led to the failure and change your actions and your course to get it right the next time. View failures as a bump in the road, not a part of your brand. Embrace what you failed at so you can appreciate your successes in the future.

• Fear of Change

If you find yourself dreading change, you are not alone. It’s natural to want to know where you are and where you are heading in your personal and professional life. Holding onto things that are safe and easy, though, doesn’t offer you much room to move forward. Why would you want to stay stagnant? Find ways to embrace change and see it as a way to catapult your personal happiness and professional success. Push yourself to stretch your limits and live a life consumed with the unfamiliar. When you step outside of your comfort zone, the possibilities are endless.

• Fear of Loss

You have to take risks to move forward and WIN at life, but if you let fear of loss consume you, it’s likely you will remain stagnant. Know that loss is a normal part of life and when you take risks, you may lose something. However, focus on what you gain instead. For example, if you are seeking a new position or a promotion, it is possible you may not be chosen for the opportunity. Instead of focusing on the loss, think about how you gained confidence striving for this position or promotion. Highlight the skills you improved working toward this opportunity. Use these new skills to keep reaching for better opportunities in the future. You technically didn’t lose anything – you gained confidence and conquered your fears by trying.

• Fear of Success

Believe it or not, you could be your worst enemy when it comes to finding success. Many people fear success because they view it as something unattainable. Adopting a mindset that is comfortable doesn’t lead you to success. As a result, you could be engaging in actions that sabotage or limit your ability to move forward in your professional or personal life. Although you may feel vulnerable when entering unknown territory, success doesn’t happen when you stand still. Keep moving forward and push yourself to try new things, meet people who are successful and embrace innovative ideas. You can’t take one step forward if you are fearful that success will change you. It will, but it will change you for the better. Try it and see.

• Fear of the Unknown

You may feel comfortable in your own little bubble. But realistically, that bubble isn’t moving you toward success. In fact, it could be hindering your ability to express your creativity. The unknown can be scary, but realizing your potential is rewarding. Instead of closing yourself off to new ventures and innovative strategies, seek out ways to learn more about your industry. Arm yourself with knowledge so you feel prepared and confident when embracing the unknown.

If you have found yourself letting fear stop you from taking risks and finding success, identify why your fear has become more important than your goals and dreams. Be a FIGHTER and resist the temptation to stand still in your personal and professional life. Let Me help you to reach your full potential.