Stop Letting Fear Make Decisions
I was mapping out a new route for our June Tactical Advance a few months ago. It was a beautiful day, so I decided to hike in the Tetons National Forest.
The path ahead was steep, so I had my head down—feeling the weight from my heavy backpack and clutching my hiking stick for stability with each step.
Then, I had this feeling that someone was watching me. I raised my gaze and...
BOOM!
Thirty meters away, this BIG BLACK BEAR was staring me down, looking right at me.
I started backing up, but I could still feel my adrenaline and heart pumping loudly. Instead of panicking, I took a deep breath, remembering I had bear spray. I’m trained, armed and ready.
Luckily the bear was too busy to bother with me and went on its way.
I wouldn’t say I was scared, but I was highly concerned. Did you catch that nuance?
scared vs. highly concerned
Self-talk and perceptions trigger your brain’s limbic system, which is your brain’s self-protective mechanism. Yes, sometimes you want a higher adrenaline level for motivation, but not one that’s out of control because you need to have a clear head to make strategic decisions.
I work with some of the most badass humans on the planet. Many of them are military veterans (thank you for your service), perhaps having been in combat several times where the results and outcomes were lethal.
Yet, I regularly hear the phrases “I’m scared,” “I’m worried,” and “I’m frightened.” Mainly regarding making the right and wrong business decisions.
This continued self-talk signals fear to your brain, which in turn signals fight or flight mode to your body, increasing alertness and anxiety. Chronic anxiety affects your long-term health, depression levels, and ability to get a good night’s rest (and we all know from last week how important this is.)
After continuously hearing this negative self-talk and fear around decisions, I created The What’s Next Decision Accelerator Tool, which is perfect when facing a massive, catastrophic decision. Or just a decision that seems this heavy.
Using the tool, you logically work through the problem and calmly get to a place to make a strategic decision.
If you go through this process AND you don’t make the right decision, I have one word for you:
OODA
Observe
Orient
Decide
Act
It’s okay to pivot if you have to.
Genuine fear comes from a life-or-death decision. If you’re not going to get bit by a big bear, fall off a cliff, or have other deadly outcomes, then let go of the fear.
Talk with power, positivity, and capability, and you will control your inner self-doubt.
Tap into your potential. Release that anxiety and fear. Get out there, make decisions and move on because the world needs you.
Onward,
Bill