An important skill in career advancement is learning how to move through fear for more money. The objective isn’t about ignoring or hiding from these feelings of fear; it’s simply about managing them when they appear.
To pretend they don’t exist or get down on yourself when they show up keeps you stuck in the low-level energy of these emotions and further away from your success.
One of the best ways you can manage your energy around fear is to have a clear, powerful vision of what you want. Great success stories start with a compelling vision that pulls you forward, even on those days when you are feeling very doubtful. So then, you have to ask yourself—what’s my vision?
Too many professionals float along, believing they do have a vision when in reality, they don’t. I often hear things like: “I want to transform students’ lives.” This is not a vision. If you want to transform students’ lives, your vision must be clear, focused, and electrifying! It’s got to get your heart pumping and specifically concentrate on how you will serve your students.
Another example I often hear sounds like this, “I want to raise test scores.” Again, this is nothing more than an un-clearly spoken minor goal. This lack of clarity is a true “Come on in!” for all those fears and doubts. The vaguer you are, the more room for the mind to say, “You can’t do that. How are you ever going to make that happen?”
Whenever you feel a ‘pang’ of fear or doubt, it’s a message something is off track from your vision. So you gently guide yourself back. Give yourself some powerful self-talk (I CAN do this!) and begin releasing the fear as you put one foot in front of the other.
What do you want more: fear or success? If you chose success, clearly state WHAT you are inspired to create. So instead of the loose “I want to make a difference” story, envision something state-of-the-art, specific, juicy, dripping with the details of what excites you, and attach a time frame to it. Go for it! How does that feel? Now, what are you willing to do to create that?
Continue to develop accessible techniques to reach out and grab onto during times of fear and doubt, which can help restore your energy and confidence. Accept this road will become smoother, but it will be constant. As a professional, you are on a constant road to growth and expansion.
Better to embrace all that comes with that; otherwise, you’ll stay right where you are. As I always say, step outside your comfort zone.
