By Claire O'Neal

www.maryclaireoneal.com

As the economy continues to spiral out of control with rampant layoffs and foreclosures, an increasing number of people feel that their very foundation has been shaken. While this fear may be a very normal reaction to extraordinary events, focusing on fear only intensifies and magnifies it, making the problem seem insurmountable. Controlling fear is the key to regaining control and feeling empowered.

Communication consultant, coach, and author Mary Claire O'Neal says that once fear is activated, people frequently fall into the trap of reacting to the fear rather than seeing their problems clearly and rationally. She asserts that fear can paralyze an individual from being proactive or taking corrective action to meet a challenge.

O'Neal recommends five steps to overcoming fear:

#1  Take a snapshot of the big picture of your life. Take five minutes to

make a list of all the things that are working in your life. Make the

list as long as you can.

#2  List the area of your life that is causing your fear.

#3  Make a list of five things you can do or steps you can take to help

meet that challenge. Be realistic.

#4  Create an action sheet that lists one step for today, one for

tomorrow, next week, and so on. Again be realistic with the timelines.

#5  Check off these steps as you accomplish them to see your progress.

Each step will help to dissipate the fear bit by bit, bringing hope

and empowering you to continue to take action toward meeting your

challenge. 

Claire is the author of the award-winning book Becoming What You Want to See in the World. As a communication consultant since 1992, she has coached individuals and corporations in leadership, problem-solving with communication, life balance and creating unity with others. CONTACT: Mary Claire O'Neal, (859) 272-2515 (KY).