Written by: Dara Connolly, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever wondered what good does fear, worry or anxiety do for you?
Although they can be pesky emotions, they provide advantages to you.
First, let’s differentiate each one.
Fear is a natural reaction that provides an intense physical response to present moment danger. Fear helps keep us alert and pushes us into survival mode of fight, flight, or freeze.
When fear is about something in the future it turns into worry.
Worrying can feel awful and cause stress but it may also be healthy. For example, if you have a health scare, worry may trigger problem-solving skills and motivate you to begin an exercise program.
When we listen to worry it can propel us to take positive action.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a persistent feeling that interferes with our ability to function. Anxiety can appear when our concerns are unrealistic or irrational. For instance, you may feel anxious about flying on a plane even though it is the safest mode of travel we have today.
When anxiety occurs, it emits an all-of-a-sudden seemingly life-threatening situation– but occasionally even the ‘right’ amount of anxiety can help us perform better.
Here are 3 simple ways to benefit from these emotions:
1. Practice mindfulness.
The entrepreneur who fears the success of their business, worries about their next client, or has anxiety over paying their bills is taking productive time and energy out of the present moment.
The next time you feel panicked from watching the news, or concerned after spending time with gossipy people, take time to breathe and ground yourself.
Mindfulness involves slowing down and noticing how we feel. When we notice our breath and ground ourselves by feeling our feet on the floor or our clothes on our body we are able to think of our next best step.
Mindfulness helps us have 100% awareness of where we are in this moment, removing worry and anxiety– which occur in the future. When we notice our breathing and feel grounded in the now, we can move thru present-moment fear.
2. Ask can you be more prepared or change the situation?
Imagine starting a new business. It’s normal to feel fear, worry, or anxiety and we can diffuse it by asking what could we do differently? Could you partner with a successful friend? Could you stay at your current position while doing entrepreneur work on the side?
In heightened moments, we release an adrenaline hormone called norepinephrine that helps put our nervous system into gear. The extra energy increases our focus and ability to think clearly– allowing creativity to flow and see things in a new way. We can use our fear to help prepare us and come up with creative solutions.
3. Zoom out and be grateful.
Thinking and worrying about the details of future unknowns can elicit enough fear to stop us from moving forward. However, when we zoom out and change our perspective we can feel more gratitude and confidence.
Imagine a business person who spends their time establishing connections with their clients as opposed to worrying over small details of a failed project. Zooming out and thinking the big picture helps give us an advantageous perspective.
People are drawn to positive people who show appreciation and gratitude.
Emotions of fear, worry, and occasional anxiety are a part of our human experience and unlikely to dissolve entirely. However, when we focus on the benefits they provide we no longer are held captive by them.
Embrace these emotions.
Fear signals we are pushing beyond our comfort zone!
Worry and anxiety remind us to be prepared and stay present and grateful!
If fear, worry, or anxiety are ruling your life I am here to support you. My Flip Your Fear book provides a helpful new perspective in a beautiful, coffee-table book.
Also, I have created an exclusive new club to give you access to all my expert training to help you live with fearless confidence.
Accountability is the multiplier for success. When we set out to make improvements to our lives, consistency and support are key. Information alone does not transform us. My weekly Mastermind for women is a supportive space for educated women looking to overcome fear, increase assertiveness, and master self-confidence.
To learn more about working with me privately Jump on a Call with me HERE
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Dara Connolly, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
"Dara Connolly is the author of the new book Flip Your Fear and founder of PTC™– an award-winning confidence program for women. Dara was the ultimate juxtaposition– a Black-Belt martial artist and a lifelong timid wallflower filled with fear! She now helps women who are tired of getting talked over or feeling ignored to– Speak up to be heard, kick Fear to the curb, be TEDx confident!
She is a TEDx speaker and nationally recognized expert in the field of confidence who has helped thousands. Dara has been featured on FOX, CW, The Connect Show, The List Show, Dr. Laura, and other media outlets. Her mission: Every Woman Can Live with Fearless Confidence."
