Your Fear is a Gift

Earlier today I sent this email to my clients, both past and present, to help them find ways to cope with the fear we’re all facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m posting it here in the hopes that those who read it can benefit.

Friends,

There is not a single conversation I've had over the past several weeks that hasn't centered around the COVID-19 situation. Many people are frightened...for their businesses, their teams, their families, and themselves. Nobody really knows what is ahead.

You may be feeling some fear right now. You may also be tempted to fight it, to resist it. But know that fear is a gift if you know how to accept it. What do I mean by this?

When we struggle against our fear, we often find ourselves in some form of avoidance. In some cases, we want to bury our heads in the sand so that we don't have to deal with the reality in front of us. In other cases, we catastrophize and obsess over the future, sapping us of the energy we need to take action. We either create too much or too little distance from our fear. 

But remember that your feelings exist for a reason. In the case of fear, it is trying to keep you safe by asking you to pay attention to something important. Once you notice the alarm, the next steps are to ask yourself "What requires my attention here?" and then "What action do I need to take?"

The answers that follow may be very uncomfortable, but nonetheless necessary. As you explore, remember that the more you accept the current reality, including your fear, the more you will be able to take productive action. 

Fear will continue to knock on our door until we answer it. Making it our enemy will only make it louder, but making it our friend will allow it to pass through. As Carl Jung said, “What you resist persists.” 

I wish you the best of luck in these trying times. Please know that I am here to support you so please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

-Brian