A communications newsletter article highlighting the benefits of using fear and accentuating the negative in developing campaigns really stopped and made me think. You might think it’s a totally backwards way of thinking, but after considering it, I think it has some validity not only in writing, but in living the life we want too.
In my book, When In Doubt, Delete It! (https://amzn.to/2RJ7Row) I talk a lot about allowing the need for perfection to stall you in your personal growth journey. So many of us fail to take that next step because we don’t know exactly how something will turn out. We fail to draw on the courage inside each of us and utilize the confidence we’ve grown over our years to push ourselves forward once again. Yes, I know some of us have buried that confidence deep inside of it. That’s ok. Dig around internally and see if you can’t find just that small spark you need to get started.
Ann Wylie (ann@wyliecomm.com) shares research compiled by Kim Witte and Mike Allen confirming scare tactics and shock tactics have a high response efficacy. That means you’re more likely to act because of those feelings.
It’s not a new concept. Evangelists have played on the idea in numerous sermons. Doctors use it to urge us to eat better and exercise more. Law enforcement highlights it in their distracted driving, drunk driving and buckle up campaigns.
If we turned our fears into a catalyst propelling us forward what would that look or sound like? How can you take your fear and use it as positive fuel?
I’ll give you a very personal example. After 21 years with a company I loved, I walked away because I knew there was more. I was tired of feeling misunderstood and unappreciated. I was afraid I’d get used to that feeling and settle.
I packed my bags, moved across state lines and took a chance. I woke up one morning and realized I was tired of not being excited about my job. Was I scared? Yes. Did I ask myself tons of what ifs? Yes. But the fear of complacency, settling for less and never knowing what else was out there was more compelling than the fear of what if it didn’t work out. That fear is what compelled me to act.
That fear was fuel to grow and become even more.
Are you afraid your talents are being wasted?
Are you sick showing up day after day and leaving unfulfilled?
Use that fear you feel to change your story today.
When you’re ready for that next step check out my Editors Circle. (https://chelliephillips.com/editors-circle/) A new group will be starting in just a couple of weeks.
You don’t have to take the journey alone. You’ll find a community of likeminded women who will encourage you every step of the way. You’ll get a roadmap to increased confidence along with tips for structuring your home and workplace for success. Stop those self-limiting beliefs in their track and get ready to open the door to opportunity and joy.
