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Published: 08 Jun 2024
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” This powerful phrase has resonated with me ever since I first encountered it. As life coaches, we work with clients who are striving to build their confidence and break through the barriers holding them back. Today, I want to share how understanding and applying the Five Truths about Fear can transform not only our clients’ lives but also our own coaching practices.
1. The fear will never go away as long as I continue to grow.
Fear is an inevitable part of growth. I remember when I first considered leaving my secure job to start my own coaching business. The fear was palpable, a constant companion whispering doubts in my ear. However, I realised that this fear was not a signal to stop but a sign that I was stepping out of my comfort zone and into a new phase of growth.
As coaches, it’s crucial to help our clients understand that fear is a natural part of the journey. It doesn’t mean they are on the wrong path; it means they are moving forward. Embrace the fear and use it as a compass pointing towards growth.
2. The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out… and do it.
Taking action is the most effective way to conquer fear. When I finally decided to launch my coaching business, the initial steps were the hardest. The fear of the unknown and the possibility of failure loomed large. But once I took that first step, the fear started to diminish.
Encourage your clients to take small, manageable steps towards their goals. Action breeds confidence. Share success stories and examples of how taking even the smallest steps can lead to significant progress. By doing so, they will start to see that the fear of action is often worse than the action itself.
3. The only way to feel better about myself is to go out… and do it.
There is a direct link between action and self-esteem. I felt an incredible boost in my self-confidence after taking those initial steps towards my business. The more I acted, the better I felt about myself and my abilities.
Help your clients understand that their self-worth is intertwined with their actions. Encourage them to set small, achievable goals and celebrate their accomplishments. This positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue taking action and improving their self-esteem.
4. Not only am I going to experience fear whenever I’m on unfamiliar territory, but so is everyone else.
One of the most comforting realizations is that fear is a universal experience. Every coach, client, and individual faces fear when stepping into the unknown. When I started my business, I connected with other entrepreneurs and discovered that they too faced similar fears.
As coaches, we can use this understanding to build empathy and create a supportive environment for our clients. Share your own experiences with fear and how you overcame them. This will help your clients feel less isolated in their struggles and more connected to a community of people facing similar challenges.
5. Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness.
The fear of helplessness can be paralyzing. I knew that if I didn’t take the leap and start my business, I would always wonder “what if.” The fear of remaining stagnant and feeling helpless was far more daunting than the fear of taking action.
Help your clients see that pushing through fear, no matter how daunting, is more empowering than living with regret. Provide them with tools and strategies to take control of their situations, whether through action plans, accountability, or mindset shifts. Empowerment comes from taking charge and pushing past the fear.
The Five Truths about Fear offer a powerful framework for life coaches working with clients to build their confidence. By embracing fear as a natural part of growth, taking action despite it, and understanding its universality, we can help our clients achieve their goals and improve their self-esteem.
Remember, pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear of helplessness. Encourage your clients to feel the fear and do it anyway.
If you’re a coach looking for more resources to support your clients, I highly recommend the book “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. It’s a fantastic resource that delves deeper into these principles and provides practical advice for overcoming fear.
For more coaching tools, resources, and to connect with other coaches, sign up for our directory. Together, we can help our clients build the confidence they need to achieve their dreams.
