Identifying and Overcoming Irrational Fear. Guest Post by Mic Johnson

Introduction from Alana

Back in April, I published a piece entitled, “What’s the Worst Thing that Could Happen?”  It’s an article all about gathering courage and overcoming fears.  It was a meaningful post to write and it resonated with so many members of the CLC Community.

Picking up on that theme, allow me to introduce you to my “awesome” friend, Mic Johnson.  Mic is a blog coach, LinkedIn trainer and WordPress website builder with the firm, Blue Gurus.  Additionally, he is a rational optimist, proud KU Jayhawk, creator of his own personal hashtag #micnuggets, sushi lover, co-owner of MJMeetings with his wife, Missy, and the founder/facilitator of a peer networking group I’m a member of, “Introducing Awesome.” 

Recently, Mic wrote a blog post about identifying and overcoming “irrational fear.”  It was such a relatable concept that I asked Mic to repurpose a portion of it for our purposes.  I think you’re going to like it!  Join me in welcoming Blog Master, Mic Johnson…

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Guest Post by Mic Johnson

mic-johnson-blue-gurusIn my business, I work with clients to help them create new WordPress sites, beef up their knowledge of LinkedIn and establish and maintain company blogs.  One persistent theme I hear from the people I work with is all around fear – irrational fear, mind you, but fear nonetheless.  It usually comes up when we’re working on blogging for the first time. It’s the inevitable “fear of writing…fear of what people might think…fear of putting yourself out there” conversation and I try my hardest to help turn around their concerns.

What is my definition of irrational fear?

Irrational fear is a heightened feeling of anxiety and/or concern around a person and/or situation where you have little-to-no definitive information. It’s a puzzle with several missing pieces. Irrational fear is dwelling on “what if” scenarios that cause increased levels of unnecessary stress and may prevent you from taking positive steps toward resolution. Irrational fear typically lives outside of your comfort zone and often plays off of those insecurities that live close to the surface.

Here are several examples of situations you might be able to relate to:

  • What happens if a client stops working with us?
  • What if I don’t get that job?
  • What if I fail?
  • What will happen if I miss my flight?
  • What if my kid gets hurt?
  • What if I start this business and it fails?
  • What if I lose my job?
  • What if I fall?
  • What if people make fun of me?
  • What if no one ever hires me again?
  • What if I don’t lose weight?
  • What if our team loses?
  • What if the prospect doesn’t accept our proposal?
  • What if he/she doesn’t like me?
  • What if the surgery doesn’t go as planned?
  • What if I never get married?
  • What if my son/daughter doesn’t do well in school?
  • What if I write a blog post and put myself out there for the world to see?
  • What if I to go to the doctor and they find something?
  • What if my client is having financial issues?

A certain amount of concern or anxiety around situations is normal. In fact, healthy levels of concern and anxiety often help us move forward to make decisions. But heightened, persistent levels of anxiety or concern…irrational fear…can overwhelm us and negatively impact our self-esteem, relationships, and more.

How to Deal with Irrational Fear

The first step to overcoming irrational fear is being consciously aware when it’s happening…and then changing your mindset.  Remind yourself that you’re worrying about something that hasn’t happened and, in many situations, likely won’t ever happen. From there, further remind yourself that if something doesn’t go as planned, you will figure it out and, if necessary, you’ll likely have friends and family who will help you through it.

Next, think about how many times you’ve had fear or anxiety around a situation…and it turned out better than you thought it would. Or times where you thought something happened was great…and it turned out not-so-great.

Life throws enough curve balls at us, so let’s all work on reducing our own stress levels around things we actually have some control over…like how we choose to react to situations. One of my favorite quotes sums it up best…”Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

Recognizing and overcoming irrational fear is something I’ve personally been working on for years. I haven’t mastered overcoming irrational fear, but I’ve made a lot of great progress. So join me and let’s not let irrational fear keep us from achieving the life and career we’ve always wanted.

What situations have you experienced around the concept of irrational fear? How did you work through it? What do you do to get past moments where irrational fear is taking hold of you?  Please take a moment to leave a comment at CoffeeLunchCoffee.com.

2 thoughts to “Identifying and Overcoming Irrational Fear. Guest Post by Mic Johnson”

  1. I remember when I struggled and finally decided to start a business. It felt exactly like someone had taken me to the edge of a cliff and said ‘jump’. Complete irrational. But I did it anyway and 25 years later I’m still so glad I overcame that fear, jumped out of my comfort zone and forged ahead. Alana and Mic…thanks for reminding me of that moment 🙂

  2. I got on a plane and flew from London, England (where I’m from) to Canada to meet and marry my now-husband. It terrified me, but doing what scares you makes you stronger. Loved the article. Keep it up!

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