Just Do It Scared – A Reality Check for Over-Thinkers

 

If you’re like me – and I think you are – you’re a planner. Maybe even a researcher. You like to be prepared and you’re willing to take the time to think about what can go wrong and how to prevent it. It’s a blessing and a curse but we make it work.

The blessing is that we’re seen as always prepared and oftentimes the “go-to” person in our fields, departments, or teams. The curse is that we can easily fall into the trap of analysis paralysis. Oftentimes, it can be hard to make a move when there seems to be so much information to take in before you can make the “right” decision. If you’ve ever felt that dreaded feeling of overwhelm you’re not alone.

In fact, you’re in good company. 🙂

Although this is pretty commonplace for us overachievers, that doesn’t mean we should learn to live with it. Here’s a radical and not-so-original idea. What if, instead of searching for answers until we feel 100% prepared (spoiler alert- that’s never) we decide to just do it scared?

What Does “Doing It Scared” Mean?

I know, I know. It sounds crazy but stick with me here.

What if we could agree that there is no way to learn all the things and that there are plenty of successful people out there who rose to the top without knowing even half of them?

Kinda takes some of the pressure off if you ask me.

Just to clarify, “doing it scared” doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind and wingin’ it. More specifically, it means giving yourself some grace after you’ve spent hours upon hours trying to attain that prepared feeling. It means that there will come a time when you have to take that leap of faith and even though you’re scared you’ll commit to doing it anyway.

How to Overcome the Nerves

Let me be super honest here. Committing to doing something even though you’re scared is, well, scary. Actually, terrifying might be a more fitting description. But as we’ve all heard, growth happens on the other side of your comfort zone and, boy, is that the truth.

So, you might be wondering- “After I commit to doing it scared, how do I overcome the nerves?”

Great question, my friend.

I’ve learned a simple, step-by-step process to determine exactly where your fears lie, what has led them to take up real estate in your mind, and how to use a little dose of reality to bring yourself back to earth.

Step One: Identification

Take out a piece of paper and identify all of the fears you have related to the issue at hand. If you are considering applying for a new position at work, what is it that scares you into deleting your application before submission? The chance of not getting the role? The fear of starting over with a new department? The terror of the interview itself?

This step might be seen as the easiest step but you’d be surprised how difficult it can be to be honest with yourself.

Take some time to think about your fears without judging yourself. Remember, this exercise is just for you. No matter how silly it might feel to write “I’m scared of learning a new role” if that’s your truth it’s worth exploring.

Step Two: Placement

Now that you have all of your fears listed out, take a few minutes to consider each one. Where did the fear originate from? A previous negative experience? Is it the result of comparison with someone else’s experience?

This step may take a bit more digging but it is worth the time to pinpoint how the fear came about because it is easier to overcome it once you do. Some fears may be easier to nail down than others but I encourage you to try to fill out this section for each one.

Step Three: Reality Check

Once you’ve identified each fear and where it came from, it’s time to give yourself a dose of tough love.

Next to each fear, consider the reality of the worst-case scenario happening. Going back to our interview scenario, if the fear is a concern related to having to learn a brand new role remind yourself that you have learned new roles before. Not only that but you have gone even further and mastered a role that was once brand-new to you! Consider the fact that you are not expected to know everything when you start a new role and that a good leader will equip you with the skills needed to succeed.

Approach each fear as if you are advising your best friend. Disconnecting seems to help bring reality back into focus. You will be amazed at how much relief you feel once you’ve completed the whole list.

Conclusion

I won’t promise that this exercise will alleviate every, single feeling of worry in your mind. I’m a realist and you probably are too. I can promise, though, that it will provide clarity around the things you’re feeling and why. And once you figure out what’s keeping you from doing it scared, you’ll be more likely to make that jump. Just imagine what you could accomplish if fear was not a factor…

Also, it’s worth mentioning that you can do hard things! You are cable of achieving greatness! There are enough obstacles that stand between you and your success. Don’t let yourself be one of them. 🙂

As always, I’ve created a free PDF download to help you complete this exercise. (You guys know I love freebies.) Enter your info below and I’ll send it right over!

I’d love to hear your feedback! DM me on Facebook or Instagram @whitneydwalter and let me know what you think!

 

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