Chris Mance II - Mental Skills Coach

There is fear that signals something is critically dangerous and there is fear that signals something is critically important. The latter type of fear is what I like to describe as the positive side of fear. If you lack motivation to pursue your goals, then I suggest using this type of fear to redefine those goals.

Three Examples of Using Fear to Create Goals:

1. If you are a student and you fear failing a course then use that fear to define a set of goals like the following :

• Wake up each day 30 minutes early to study
• Meet with the teacher twice a week for extra help
• Find a study partner to both study and do homework with

2. If you are working and fear losing your job, then use that fear to define a set of goals like the following:

• Get on a special project at work that makes you more indispensable
• Expand your network within your field by connecting with industry leaders on Linkedin and having coffee meetings with them periodically
• Find a coach to help you clean up your resume and create a career plan for advancement

3. If you are an athlete, and fear losing a competition or not achieving a milestone, then use that fear to define a set of goals like the following:

• Lead your team in doing extra conditioning over and beyond the normal routine
• Create a routine around studying historical examples, biographies and videos of those who have succeed and failed in the past and write down and execute on those lessons learned
• Sharpen your mental toughness by including some form of mental preparation in your daily routine

If the fear you have is truly a fear, then this will be enough to motivate you to execute on these goals. If you still lack motivation to execute, then that fear is not as real as you thought. Real fear drives action.