Fear Mindset Reset in 3, 2, 1...

Fear is a crazy thing. It can mess with our minds, hold us back, and send anxiety pulsing through our bodies. But, it can also propel us forward when we choose to have courage that’s stronger than our fears.

I’ll tell you a quick story about the biggest fear I’ve personally faced to date. I’m going to be super vulnerable here for a moment. Also, this story includes a reference to pregnancy so feel free to skip the next two paragraphs if that’s a touchy subject for you.?

I waited until my 40s to have my son, who turns 1 later this month. For decades I said I didn’t want kids. My step-daughter is amazing and that was enough for me. But as things do, that changed and my husband and I decided to have a child of our own.? A friend asked me the other day if I ever reflected on that decision, and I told her I did. She wanted to know if I thought about why I waited so long. I didn’t have to think about it; the reason I waited was pure fear.

You see, I had to let go of several fears that I held onto when it came to being a mom. One of them was that I wouldn’t be able to be the kind of mom that I want to be. I didn’t feel prepared that I could raise him the way I dreamed of because I wasn’t sure I could be that person day in and day out. And how could I? I’ve never been that person before.

I know I’m not alone. When I work with clients, the “what ifs”–regardless of the situation–can feel haunting. Your mind will try to trick you into staying in your comfort zone. We want proof that the decisions we make will turn out for the best. We all want to feel safe. Our egos need this reassurance.?

The problem is that it often keeps us from growing. We find excuses not to do things, that satisfy our fear/ego, but it does nothing for our growth. So, we remain stuck and not performing to our full potential.?

I don’t know anyone who likes being afraid or scared. We all want to feel and act confidently; we just need the right tools to help us operate from that mental space.

If you, or someone you work with, is struggling with fear, try taking these three steps:

1. Be brutally honest about what you’re really afraid of. Most of the time, it’s not the surface-level answer that first pops up. It’s deeper.?
2. Act as if. Be uncomfortable and take action anyway knowing that you’re capable. The reward that’s on the other side is waiting for you and it’s worth it.?
3. Tell a new story. Shut down your hater thoughts and choose an empowering mindset. Remember, you find what you’re looking for.??

If fear is getting in the way of your goal, check out this week’s exercise below, which shares even more tips. And as always, if you want a consult on how we can help you navigate this as an individual, or someone who supports athletes/high achievers, contact me here or send me a DM.

1 TOOL TO TRY THIS WEEK

Fear Reset

Steps:

1- Acknowledge and Accept

• Pause for a moment and say to yourself: "I feel fear, and that’s okay. I don’t have to believe it. I can choose a new thought by deciding to let go and focus on having the courage to do what I need to do right now.”
• Recognize that fear is a natural response, but it doesn’t define your actions.

2- Release the Fear Physically

• Ball your fists tightly for 5 seconds, imagining you’re gripping onto the fear.
• Then, open your hands wide and release the tension, as if you’re letting the fear fall away.
• As you release, say: "I let go of this fear—it has no power over me."

3- Choose and Commit to Action

• Shift your focus to the action you want to take and the mindset you need to embody. Ask yourself:
• "What’s one small step I can take right now, even if I still feel afraid?"
• Take that step immediately, telling yourself: "I choose courage. I act with purpose regardless of how I feel."