Fear is simply a warning not a command to be obeyed. Our mind has a warning system and fear is the flashing light. It is saying ‘Be careful’. It is not saying stop what you are doing or plan to do. It is like the warning light on your dash telling you that your petrol is running low. You don’t have to hit the brakes. You do need to get some petrol soon.
Your mind can exaggerate the risk. Take Public Speaking as an example. You could get a similar reaction to seeing a poisonous snake in your backyard and being asked to speak at an online staff meeting. One situation is potentially life threatening. The other isn’t but the reaction can be the same.
Try a different relationship with your warning system, your fear. Whatever action you take, you will be more effective if you come from calm rather than agitation. Avoid the snake rather than try to kill it. Decide whether you want to speak at the meeting rather than panic.
My suggestion is that you treat the fear as a thought or feeling rather than reality. Distance yourself from it and decide on the risk calmly. Do I really want to speak to the group? If so, do what you need to do to prepare. Acknowledge the fear but make room for it. Don’t try to get rid of it or deny it. If the fear keeps coming back, treat it as a passing thought. Most speakers speak with fear. They just manage it differently.
