Fear is a powerful emotion. Healthy fear keeps you safe. But unhealthy fear can be so debilitating that it paralyzes. Fears naturally arise when you take risks—as you seek a new job, make a career change or venture out on an entrepreneurial project. Fear is never completely overcome. The key to success is learning how to successfully manage through it.

Fear protects itself. By that I mean if you permit it to lock you in place, fear rewards itself. Fear is a persuasive excuse, affirming to you that staying in your comfort zone is the best decision.

How does fear show itself in your work search?

1.  You have an overwhelming sense of helpless and powerlessness to act in ways that will bring positive change into your work life.

2.  As you look for new work opportunities, you feel a sense of dread—not from things that are actually happening. You fear the things that potentially could occur.

3.  Fearing the risk-taking process, you do not approach viable, potential employers with any consistency and frequency.

4.  You stay in an unrewarding job far too long, one that clearly no longer serves you. You’re not exploring your options.

5.  You go for openings that you know are not a fit. Perhaps something is amiss for you about the company, location, management, the position’s content or its growth potential. Your fear tells you that you can’t do any better.

5 steps to manage fear and release its grip

1.  Choose growth over comfort and familiarity.
While not an easy decision, your willingness to say “YES!” to your personal and professional development is the essential first step.

2.  Value your assets.
You’re very capable, talented and have much to contribute. Fear weakens when you truly value your experience and abilities.

3.  Prepare well.
Preparation gives you the security and confidence that you’re ready to go. You wouldn’t head out on a road trip without packing a suitcase, booking your accommodations, filling the tank and grabbing a good map. Create quality personal marketing materials, research extensively and network strategically.

4.  Avoid making decisions based on fear.
Recognize fear for what it is. Don’t exclude yourself from opportunities because of self-doubt. Don’t let fear derail you.

5.  Start with small steps.
Begin acting with small steps, nothing too scary. Don’t retreat in the face of fear. Contact former colleagues and invite them to LinkedIn, begin exploring resources online and through your library. Begin to approach your targeted organizations. You’ll discover the self-confidence that’s been eluding you.

TIP: Don’t indulge fear by feeding it, giving it a place at the table. Manage through it. You can!

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear. -Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

Today’s question

What fears are holding you back in your work life? Are they valid fears?