Overcoming your fears

There is something to be said for overcoming your fears. Some of the most common fears include speaking in public, failing, dying, germs, spiders and bugs, and heights. I am terrified of open heights. Being enclosed is fine, standing back from the edge is no problem, but open heights, with no walls or supports, shoots my stomach into my throat.

So, I decided to grasp this whole concept of pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone, which I tout to job seekers all the time. I have had numerous conversations with employers about taking chances, hiring outside of their normal expectations, and giving people a shot who are trying to do something different. I have had hundreds of conversations with people who are afraid to quit their jobs that they hate, too scared to go for an interview, terrified to make a move. I always tell people to think outside the box, try something new, give it a try, and if it doesn’t work, at least you can go back to your comfort zone knowing you tried. What is the worst that can happen? I have even pushed people to start their own businesses, when I’ve believed that they can make it and that they are the right kind of risk taker to do it.

Well, I got pushed right into overcoming my fear of open heights! I was talked into doing six zip lines, hanging onto a small handle with a little strap around my thighs, flying high across canyons, super fast, super long, and super high! Did I love it? No! Did I find each one easier than the last? No! Each one got harder, I thought I was going to die. But, I never took my eyes off the wire; I paid attention to the rules, keeping my arms and legs positioned perfectly. My throat closed worse and worse each zip, my knees buckled, I shook, I held back the tears, I couldn’t breathe, and I needed some help unhooking my clasps to go on to the next line. But, I did it!

I took a chance and tried something new. I trusted the professionals to hook me up, stop me on time so I didn’t get hurt, and direct me on the proper form. Would I do it again? No. Am I glad I did it? Yes. I now have even more experience when trying to influence job seekers and employers on the right direction for them, taking chances, trying new things, and overcoming fears. I missed the amazing scenery below and around me while I did the zip lines, and the rest of the group did have to tell me what I missed. But I can say that I did it. I tried something I was deathly afraid of, and that was more important for me this time then staying behind in my comfort zone and missing the opportunity to try.