Women in Business: Don’t Let Fear Touch The Radio


Last week I found myself at the Wiltshire Women in Business Conference facing a room full of people I’d never met before, about to lead a workshop I hadn’t had time to prep for.

At 9pm the previous night, the original facilitator cancelled and I was given the option to take her place. At the time, I very nearly said no. Honestly, I was completely freaked out at the idea of going in so unprepared.

But I did it anyway.

As you can see from the photo of my “Build a Stand Out Brand” session above, I was lucky enough to work with a group of brilliant, interesting and very funny women.

It could have gone very wrong, but it was a blast and I met some great people, one of whom I’m already working with.

This experience was the perfect reminder that fear pops up just when life is about to get interesting.

That’s simply how we humans are wired.

I won’t bore you with the reasoning behind that because other people explain it so well but the point is, there’s no getting away from fear.

I love this quote from Elizabeth Gilbert in her book Big Magic:

I even have a welcoming speech prepared for fear, which I deliver right before embarking upon any new project or big adventure.

It goes something like this:

Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.

I love the way Liz Gilbert explains how she’s made peace with fear; it’s not something to fight but something that goes with the territory of living a colourful life.

So the next time you’re offered an opportunity that terrifies you, it’s probably a sign that you should say YES

Who knows what’s waiting on the other side for you?

Is there a big adventure calling your name right now? And could you do with a handy little formula for making it happen? My mentor Denise Duffield Thomas is currently offering a FREE 5 day Manifesting Challenge and training, starting Monday.

I’m going to be taking part and I’d love for you to join me. Check it out here.


About the Author: Anna McLoughlin

Anna McLoughlin, Copywriter

Anna is Director of Inkspiller. An incurably curious writer and brand strategist, she has made it her life's mission to truly see others, then reflect their brilliance back out to the world.




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