WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE YOUR WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Would you rather have your wisdom teeth removed?

A friend took her daughter to see an oral surgeon on a Thursday for a consultation regarding wisdom teeth that needed to be removed. After the doctor left the room, the 16 year old (who has a marked fear of needles and all things painful) turned and asked, “Think I could have them taken out tomorrow?”?Thanks to a last minute cancellation, those wisdom teeth came out just 18 hours later on Friday.?

That teen was in no way looking forward to having four teeth extracted, but rather than wait and ruminate, she jumped in with gusto.?When was the last time you forged on despite your fear?

Perhaps it’s fear of failure that is holding you back at work. But here’s a fact: everyone fails. That’s the reality of every job—every. single. job.—even your boss’s.

Knowing you can’t eliminate all failure, what’s left to do?

Change your mindset.??Accept that sometimes things won’t work out. Instead of letting that paralyze you, be prepared mentally. Don’t beat yourself up (unless you knowingly let things slide), but take each failure as an opportunity to learn. “Hmm, that’s interesting…what happened and what should I change next time?” Move on, recognizing how you just got smarter.

Say “yes” when you’re scared.?Embrace a new challenge. Raise your hand. Give yourself permission to succeed. Bet on yourself.??You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.

Say “no”, even when you think you’re not allowed.?No can be a particularly hard word to say. Turning down a request can be intimidating, but sometimes it’s the smartest move you can make.?Need help learning how to say “no” gracefully???Check out?Michael Hyatt’s advice?on the subject.

Ask for help.?This is a big one. Asking for help doesn’t make you look less competent. As they say, the smartest people?know?what they?don’t?know. Seeking help provides you with insight while making the person asked feel valued. Now that’s the proverbial win-win.??Try?these techniques?to polish up your ask.

What fears are holding you back? Most aren’t going to disappear, so take a lesson from that chipmunk-cheeked teen and?do it anyway!