What do you fear?
Strangely enough I fear sharks and generally all animals with big teeth!
Fear is an interesting emotion because it’s physiologically hardwired. Our amygdala, the collection of cells at the base of our brain detects threats and activates the appropriate fear-related behaviors in response to threatening or dangerous stimuli.
So when faced with an animal with large teeth, you don’t have to stop and think what to do, the amygdala takes over and you either fight, flee or freeze.
In my case I hope it’s flee 🙂
But unfortunately the amygdala hasn’t evolved to discern between what we would rationally consider as truly life threatening or dangerous stimuli vs not so truly life threatening.
For example, the fear of public speaking.
Jerry Seinfeld is famously quoted as saying, “According to most studies, people’s number on fear is public speaking. Number two is Death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
So probably not a rational fear, right? But the amygdala doesn’t know the difference so for people with a fear of public speaking, it feels extremely real. Their heartbeat increases, some break out in a sweat, their body pumps with adrenalin and most people would unconsciously hold their breath.
In that state, you’re getting ready to run (or fight or freeze) and you’re certainly not in a position to think rationally, particularly since blood has been drained from the brain and sent to your extremities.
So here’s the #1 fear hack…. BREATHE!
Take a deep breath, followed by another, and another.
Believe it or not, the difference between fear and excitement is all in the way we breathe. When we’re afraid we tend to hold our breath and when we are excited we tend to breath more rapidly.
With the power of our breath we can change our body’s automatic reaction from fear to calm.
Then we have the ability to think clearly, assess our options and respond accordingly.
So next time you feel afraid, whether that be of public speaking, confronting the boss, or about what others may be thinking; take several deep breaths, re-engage your brain and ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success!
I have had (and still do have) so many people supporting me on my journey of self-development, I’d love to help you on yours. Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Download my eBook – 5 Steps to Ignite Your SPARK and find out how you can re-ignite your life, just like I did 😉
Access my FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence 🙂
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams…
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