Face The Fear

Do you want to make a change? Do you want to start a new career, change jobs, become an entrepreneur, or leave or start a relationship? Let’s be honest – change is scary! There are unknowns that lead to what if’s, that lead to higher (and sometimes irrational, or at least less rational) levels of fear, that lead to playing it safe and staying put, even in misery. What can be devastating is that the opportunity that is presented in the change is not seized.

I learned about a visual representation of a concept from one of my mentors when I was facing a big fearful choice that helped me power through my fear. It’s called the terror barrier. (This concept is often presented by Bob Proctor.) One of my terror barriers was acknowledging and honoring my life purpose. I experienced great levels of success in the corporate jobs I had, but I discovered a repeating pattern where I was super engaged at the beginning and then about 4 years later I was disconnected and unhappy. On the outside I was the picture of success, charging the ladder at full speed and rising in the ranks at a fast pace. But inside I was bored, empty and unfulfilled.

When I learned about the terror barrier I immediately visualized a large thick brick wall. The barrier was a seemingly impenetrable extremely hard wall in my direct path. Now was this my actual obstacle? Well, no. My fear was my obstacle. My thoughts were my obstacle. Thoughts like:

• Why am I not happy? Shouldn’t I be happy with my current situation?
• Why can’t I figure out what I’m supposed to be doing?
• What am I doing thinking about leaving a regular paycheck?
• What is my problem that I can’t just be happy in any of these jobs?
• Why do I not have patience in sticking it out where I am?

It actually went on and on from there. I even saw myself jumping up and peeking over the top of the terror barrier wall. It looked so good over there! There was so much opportunity! But my fear kept me in place.

Finally I had reached my limit. I got to the point where unknowns and fears seemed like easy stuff to deal with opposed to the turmoil, tears, frustration and even anger I had been feeling. So I decided to put my big girl panties on and break through that terror barrier wall. And you know what? Once I was on the other side, it wasn’t so scary! It was lovely. It was exciting. It was energizing. I was now able to step out of paralysis and take steps to identifying my life purpose and setting my life in a direction that was fulfilling, exhilarating, and exciting.

Coming through the terror barrier wasn’t about doing the actual work to identify my purpose and next steps. That was the work to be done once I was on the other side (but I was excited to start this work!). Coming through the terror barrier was about facing my fears.

Do you feel stuck in a place of fear? Try these steps to help move you through the terror barrier.

1. Create a pro’s and con’s list. Often by getting items in black and white, out of your head, and into a visual form you realize that there are more pro’s than con’s, or the con’s are not so insurmountable.
2. Make a journal entry and answer this question: If I knew I could not fail, what would that look like? This allows you to think outside the box and escape limitations that may be feeding irrational fears.
3. Visualize your success. Find a quiet place and really visualize what success looks like for you. Can you see yourself doing what you want? If you can then remember what Napoleon Hill said: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” It is inside you for a reason and it is just waiting to be released into this world!
4. Make a to-do list starting with small steps to get you into action. Achieving dreams requires work. Also, create a to-‘done’ list. Celebrate the actions you have taken! It will keep you going.

Facing fear can be seen as difficult. And it can really keep you stuck and unhappy. I hope these concept and tips help you move through the terror barrier quickly. I know I was stuck for way too long. My hope for you is that you will not suffer that same fate. Don’t accept fear! Face it and get moving toward your dreams! Great things are waiting for you on the other side of the terror barrier!