Years and years ago at the height of my extreme introvert self – yes I am a recovering extreme introvert and I still need plenty of me time – I interviewed for and actually worked as a sales rep for Xerox. The job involved lots of cold calling and high pressure sales which I now know was a job that in no way suited who I was then or ever would be. However, I learned a tremendous amount, particularly about listening skills which has served me quite well. More often than I would like to admit, I would sit outside a potential customer’s office in my car, terrified with such fright that I was unable to go in. Remember, in those days there were few computers, no laptops, no internet and no cell phones. I was so ashamed by this and so fearful that there was something drastically wrong with me, that I was unable to ask for help on what to do about my fear.
My fear was merely a smokescreen, although I did not understand this at the time. The worst that could have happened were all things I could have handled: someone may have been rude, the potential customer merely said no or I may have been propositioned (remember this was a long time ago and that did happen to me.). I didn’t have the tools or know how to deal with my fear. No longer am I at the mercy of my own fear. Because I so acutely understand how fear can stop me (and others) from taking action and pursuing what we most want, I can support others in dealing with their own fear.
Has fear ever stopped you or gotten in the way of accomplishing something or creating what you most want in your life? If your fear keeps you stuck, I want to support you in making friends with your fear. I want to empower you to turn your fear into an ally instead of an enemy.
Until next time,
Amy Barnes MA MBA LMHC
I empower people to discover their gifts, talents and self worth.
