Ever notice how fear tends to lurk around when you’re about to make a big move? Whether it’s picking up the phone to call that difficult lead or walking into a negotiation that feels a bit above your pay grade, fear loves to show up uninvited—like the relative who comes to Thanksgiving dinner just to critique your turkey.
Here’s the thing: fear isn’t going anywhere. The average person? They take the first option—Forget Everything And Run. They make excuses, put off those calls, and watch Netflix instead. But here’s a little secret: explosive personal growth happens when you choose the second option—Face Everything And Rise.
My Encounter with Fear (and a Side of Self-Doubt)
I remember when I started in real estate. My first few calls? Terrifying. I’d rehearse my script, pacing around the living room like I was about to go on stage at a TED Talk. I didn’t have a “real” plan to handle the rejection, so I let the fear of hearing “no” run the show. Forget Everything and Run was my motto back then.
It wasn’t until I realized that the fear of rejection, or screwing up in general, wasn’t going anywhere. That’s when I figured out that I had to make a choice—am I going to face the fear and see what happens or let it keep me from growing?
Why Facing Fear Changes the Game
The truth is, when you face fear, it shrinks. You may not conquer it entirely (let’s not get too cocky), but you certainly get better at handling it. The thing about running from fear? It just makes it bigger. Think of fear as a snowball rolling down a hill. The more you avoid it, the bigger it gets. But the moment you stand in front of it, it can’t grow any further.
In real estate, or any business, really, fear is inevitable. New laws, market shifts, interest rates fluctuating like a teenager’s mood—nothing stays the same. That’s where adaptability comes in. And trust me, nothing sharpens your adaptability skills like staring fear straight in the face.
How Fear Fuels Growth
The only way you experience explosive growth is by walking through fear. When you make that first call to a tough client, or you go ahead and schedule the meeting with a potential buyer who seems out of your league, you’re telling fear, “You don’t control me.” And you know what happens after that? You grow. You get better, stronger, faster, like the Six Million Dollar Man. (Okay, maybe not that fast, but you get the point.)
A Few Tips for Tackling Fear in Prospecting
- Start Small: If the idea of calling 50 leads in a day freaks you out, start with 5. Facing your fear doesn’t have to mean diving in headfirst every time. Ease into it.
- Get a Fear Buddy: Seriously, get someone who will hold you accountable. Share your goals with them and let them nudge you when you’re about to make a U-turn into Forget Everything And Run territory.
- Visualize the Win: I know, it sounds cheesy, but visualizing a successful outcome does wonders. Picture yourself walking out of that meeting with the signed contract or hearing a “Yes!” on the phone. When you train your brain to see success, the fear starts to lose its grip.
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Don’t wait for the big commission check to give yourself a pat on the back. Did you make those 5 calls today? Celebrate! Fear doesn’t stand a chance against momentum.
Why It Matters
The average person runs from fear. They stay in their comfort zone, and they live a “safe” life. But here’s the kicker: there’s nothing safe about it. Staying stagnant doesn’t protect you from discomfort—it just gives you a front-row seat to watch your potential slowly fade away. When you face fear head-on, you’re not just growing your business—you’re growing as a person.
Think about it: the laws will change. The market will shift. Interest rates will rise and fall. But when you’ve faced your fears, you know how to adapt to any situation. You become resilient, and that’s when the magic happens.
So next time fear knocks on your door (which, trust me, it will), remember: Face Everything And Rise. The choice is yours. And I promise, choosing to rise will lead to growth you never saw coming.
After all, isn’t that why you got into this business? To rise above the crowd, to take control, and to create the life you want?
Go get it!
I’m not saying it’ll be easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it, and we’d have a lot less Netflix binges. But I am saying it’s worth it. Face that fear, rise above, and watch what happens next.
Oh, and if you need a nudge—or just a buddy to complain to when that fear feels extra tough—reach out. We’ve all been there, and trust me, you’re not alone in this. Let’s face it, together.
If you’re looking for some classic Zig Ziglar wisdom on overcoming fear, look no further than his book “See You at the Top.” This gem really digs into how fear and self-doubt can keep you stuck in the mud if you let them. Ziglar, in his ever-optimistic and straightforward style, talks about how your attitude and self-image are the keys to breaking free. And let’s be honest, we’ve all had those moments where running away feels way easier than facing whatever’s in front of us. But Ziglar flips that on its head—he’s all about helping you shift your mindset, so instead of shrinking back, you stand tall and take action.
He even sprinkles in humor (because we all need a little laugh when staring down fear, right?) and his go-to motivational vibes, reminding us that fear is natural, but it’s how you respond that makes the difference. It’s classic Ziglar—full of practical advice wrapped up in motivational punchlines—and honestly, it’s a great read if you want that little nudge to face what’s holding you back, rather than running the other way.
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