Stop Trying To Eliminate FEAR!

Speaking up used to make me ridiculously nervous - when I was young.

And earlier in my career, I'd question everything in high-stakes situations. 
Would I say the wrong thing? 
Would people listen? 
What if I went blank?

My heart raced. 
I'd breathe quicker. 
I buried myself in technical details, convincing myself I had to prepare more, thinking over preparing for every possible scenario.

But it wasn't about being prepared enough. 
It was fear.

Fear of the unknown. 
Fear of not getting a good result. 
Fear disguised as "being thorough."

And here's the thing: fear is normal and not going anywhere.

It's there for a reason: it keeps us safe from life-threatening danger. 

But it's maladaptive when fear stops us from taking the right action as trusted leaders.

So stop trying to eliminate fear (anxiety..any negative emotion). 

And instead, start here:
Be aware of it. 
Pause. 
Label it. 

This simple act quietens your amygdala (and reactions). 

Harvard brain scientist Dr Jill Bolte Taylor found it only takes 90 seconds to recognise emotion, label it and let it pass.

Fear isn't the enemy—it signals that we're stepping into something greater.
 
When we let fear win, we stay stuck—focused only on technical details, second-guessing ourselves and holding us back from being a trusted leader in the moments that truly matter.

As technical lawyers, many focus on what's on their desks today— over preparing - revising, reviewing, and 'perfecting' submissions - letting fear run the show. 

Are you starting something new or about to be in a high-stakes situation? 

Fear will be there. Expect it, but don't let it lead you or your actions.

Technical lawyers stay stuck in the details, fearing the worst possible scenarios - trying to eliminate fear. 
 Trusted leaders step back, consider the details and the bigger picture, reflect on how they lead themselves and others, and assess whether they communicate like leaders—embracing fear and taking action no matter what.

That's the difference between staying where you are and stepping up as a trusted leader.

Contact Louise to discuss how you can become a trusted legal leader HERE - no obligation.