Fear? At 62, I've Seen It All (and It's Still a Little Scary Sometimes!)

Okay, folks, let's talk about fear. Now, at 62, I've seen a few things. I've seen disco, I've seen parachute pants, and I've even seen the internet go from dial-up to…well, whatever this is! So, you'd think I'd be immune to fear, right? Wrong! Turns out, fear doesn't care how old you are. It just finds new and exciting ways to mess with you. And let's be honest, sometimes it's still a little scary!

This week, as part of our "Inside Out in Business" series, we're tackling this universal human experience – fear – and how it shows up in the workplace. Remember Fear from "Inside Out"? That little purple guy with the perpetually worried expression? He's like the embodiment of all our anxieties, constantly calculating risks and imagining worst-case scenarios. As Fear himself might say (if he wasn't too busy panicking), "We're doomed!" (Okay, maybe not doomed, but definitely a little nervous.)

Fear's Funny (and Not-So-Funny) Faces at Work

Fear in the workplace is a tricky beast. It can be subtle, like the hesitation before raising your hand in a meeting, or it can be full-blown, like the cold sweat before a big presentation. Here are some of the "fun" ways fear likes to manifest at work:

• The "Imposter Syndrome" Shuffle: That little voice that whispers, "You're a fraud! They're going to find out you have no idea what you're doing!" (Even at 62, that voice still pops up sometimes. Don't tell anyone.)
• The "Performance Anxiety" Two-Step: The heart palpitations, the shaky hands, the sudden urge to memorize every single word of your presentation (even the filler words).
• The "Rejection Tango": The dread of hearing "no," whether it's from a client, a boss, or a potential investor. (Rejection hurts at any age, trust me.)
• The "Change-Phobia Cha-Cha": The resistance to new technologies, new processes, or any change that disrupts the comfortable status quo. (Change is scary, even when it's good. Remember parachute pants?)

From Frightened to Fantastic (Okay, Maybe Just a Little Less Frightened)

So, how do we tame this fear monster? Here are a few tips I've picked up over the years (and a few I learned from "Inside Out"):

• Name It and Claim It (with a touch of humor): Don't be afraid to admit you're scared. Sometimes, just acknowledging your fear can take away some of its power. As Fear in "Inside Out" wisely (and nervously) said, “I’m just trying to keep you safe!” (Even if his definition of "safe" is a little…overprotective.)
• Challenge the Monster (with logic): Is your fear based on reality or just your imagination running wild? Often, our fears are exaggerated. Try to look at the situation objectively.
• Prepare, Prepare, Prepare (and then prepare some more): Feeling prepared can significantly reduce anxiety. Do your homework, practice your presentation, and have a backup plan (or two).
• Take a Deep Breath (and maybe a shot of something stronger…just kidding!): Seriously, deep breathing can help calm your nerves. And maybe a little chocolate. Chocolate always helps.
• Remember You're Not Alone (we're all scared sometimes): Everyone experiences fear. Talk to a trusted colleague, mentor, or friend. Sharing your anxieties can make them feel less overwhelming.

Fear: Friend or Foe? (It's Complicated)

Fear can be a real pain in the you-know-what, but it can also be a motivator. It can push us to be more prepared, more creative, and more resilient. The key is to learn how to manage it, not let it manage you.

The Golden Years (and the Fear Factor)

Even at 62, I'm still learning how to navigate fear. It's a lifelong journey. But I've learned that humor can be a powerful weapon against fear. So, embrace the fear, laugh at it a little, and keep moving forward. After all, life's too short to be scared all the time. (Unless you're facing a swarm of angry bees. Then, by all means, be very scared.)

What are your favorite ways to deal with fear? Share your tips in the comments below!

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