Stress.  In our VUCA world (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous), it is no wonder that fears about the future are high at the moment.  And, let’s face it, what’s more stressful than fear?

There is so much to think about, so much which is uncertain and unclear, and the risks are bigger than ever, so your stress levels can be sky-high.

But as the saying goes, it is what it is.  The ability to accept reality, without losing sight of vision, hope and motivation are key components.  And that’s easy for me to say, I know.  So, how do you do that?

9-Point Plan to overcome fears about the future

Here is my 9-Point Plan to help you:

1. Be clear

Be clear about the future you would like to create: your vision.  This is what will carry you and help you navigate through the uncertainty.

2. Be prepared

Be prepared to change it in the face of a changing landscape if circumstances require: not because you’ve given up but because it is strategically prudent to do so.

3. Be focused

Keep your eye on the horizon: sometimes we can predict some outcomes or trends by keeping our eyes open for what’s happening. This will minimise the element of surprise.

4. Skills and resources

Make sure you have the right kind of skills and resources within and around you and keep refining those skills to meet the horizon.

5. Keep in inventory

Make an inventory of what you have achieved so far, obstacles you’ve overcome and challenges you’ve survived. This will increase your levels of confidence that you have what it takes to survive the future because you have clear evidence you’ve survived the past.

6. Make a pact

Make a pact with yourself to learn and grow from experiences, as though they were designed for your benefit. It’s the best way I know to have fun when life gets ugly and it creates a growth mindset which will serve you well in life.

7. Redefine

Redefine your fear. The physiology of fear is very similar to the physiology of excitement.  If everything was completely predictable, we would get bored.  Reframing this as excitement can elicit a much more positive engagement with the future.

8. Learn about control

Learn to control what you can, influence what you can and simply accept the rest. The serenity prayer is built around this idea and living this way does give you a balance between control and acceptance – a foundation for stress-resilience.

9. Get support

Get support. It can be lonely and difficult on your own.  Sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees and the right kind of support can help you live this plan so that fear turns into fortune, challenge into opportunity and uncertainty into creativity.  Call me, Tricia Woolfrey, on 0345 130 0854, or get in touch here to find out how.  You’ll be glad you did!

© Tricia Woolfrey 2018