Fearlessness - A Core Discipline Of High Performance
Fearlessness, boy that has a nice ring to it! It's a beautiful place to be energetically as a leader or business owner. However, it doesn't originate where many seek to find it. A strong ego won't do it. A strong sense of pride won't suffice. Outer faith won't get you there. Taking reckless risks is not the definition of fearlessness. Then what is?
Having the ability to accept ANY outcome. That's Fearlessness.
Before we dig into Fearlessness, I think we best start with Fear. Fear is not necessarily a bad thing in your life. It was put in us for self protection. There are times in business where fear serves a purpose. However, many times we have been conditioned to live out in the future with wild interpretations. Perhaps a past experience causes you to make a major assumption that blocks the growth of your business. There is a time and place for fear, but the most successful leaders and enterprises take advantage of Fearlessness consistently.
What are some factors that create Fearlessness?
Acceptance Of Change
One of the only constants in this life is Change. We can learn to embrace it or fight it. To release control or grip the steering wheel a little tighter. We can't control the future and there is no way to predict it.
In my own life, I've learned to embrace change. With change comes new opportunity. Perhaps a new way of looking at things. A newness that puts the fire back in your gut!
As the late great Jim Rohn said, "If you change, everything will change for you." I hope I never stop seeking change in myself and looking for the opportunity!
Non-Judgement
There seems to be a strong need for acceptance that is born in us. Often we are afraid to fail because of what others might think of us. Even worse, what we might think of ourselves. That's judgement and it's typically very harmful.
As a younger man, I was so hard on myself all the time. I was out to prove myself to everybody. I needed that acceptance to bolster my ego.
The real story is that our interpretations of others judgment is almost always off base. Self judgment is defeating. In the bible there is a verse that states, "I don't even judge myself." That's wise advice in most cases unless we have crossed a moral boundary.
Inner Faith
There are three types of faith in this life. None, outer, and inner faith. Outer faith means we desire proof. Proof isn't needed with inner faith. We just choose to believe. This comes into play within ourselves, but also if you are a person of religious faith. Imagine accessing inner faith more often. It's freeing!
Living In The Moment
When we live in the moment, more often than not, fear is absent. Remember, fear is typically based on the future and our wild interpretations which emotions follow orderly. One of the best ways to live in the moment is through a deep connection to others. Be highly engaged in the conversation. Be connected to mother nature.
One of my own personal disciplines is to sit in my study or on my patio for 30 minutes with no interruptions. No music, book, devices or human interaction. I'm learning to live in the moment myself. I often find this to be one of my favorite parts of the day. This is a great way to allow the wisdom to flow and work on staying present in the moment.
Believing You Belong
When we are fearless, we have a deep belief that we belong in whatever circumstance is at hand. We all have some type of script between our ears that tells us we aren't good enough, we don't belong or perhaps we can't. Over time, that voice can dull substantially and you can learn to work with it instead of against it. To be fearless, you've dictated your own mind or that voice is simply nowhere to be found.
Conclusion
When we are fearless, that doesn't mean we don't prepare, plan, gain the skills, consult, be coached, take calculated risks, and think about things logically. It means we can accept any outcome. When we fail, we look to learn from it. As the great John Wooden said, "Things tend to work out best for people that make the best of how things work out." I couldn't say it any better myself.
Is Fearlessness really possible? Absolutely! It's my goal to only share information I've lived or witnessed in coaching my clients. I've learned to access fearlessness in my business and life and it's a beautiful place energetically! Does it work every time? Nope, but I recently had a huge opportunity come my way and thankfully I was able to access fearlessness leading up to the meeting and while engaged. Why? I had already accepted any outcome from the opportunity. It set me free to connect and be authentic. The meeting went fantastic!
Where is fear blocking your business today?
Your Coach,
Todd