Defusing Thoughts: Shifting from F.E.A.R. to H.E.L.P.

In business and leadership, your thoughts can either propel you forward or keep you stuck. To succeed, it’s essential to identify and defuse negative thought patterns that hold you back. This exercise will help you step into your leadership self by confronting the “F.E.A.R. traps” (False Expectations Appearing Real) that influence your decisions and actions. By transforming these thoughts into positive, actionable insights, you’ll build confidence and clarity to lead effectively.

Take this opportunity to reflect honestly, rewrite limiting beliefs, and empower yourself with “H.E.L.P.” (Heightened Emotions Lifting Potential) thoughts that support your goals and growth

One of the key elements to stepping into your leadership self is being able to look at your thought patterns and how they are helpful or how they may be holding you back. This exercise is about defusing the power of your negative thoughts.

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1.Begin by making a list of a minimum five (5) thoughts that put you into a “F.E.A.R.” trap. F.E.A.R.is an acronym for False Expectations Appearing Real.

An example is “My co-workers, peers, subordinates etc. will laugh at my idea regarding how I want to switch up our marketing approach.” or “My last idea didn’t work out; they’re not going ‘buy-in’ to this new idea.”

Be sure to list all of your thoughts, no matter how crazy, silly, or inconsequential they might seem to you. When you’re done, put down the marker and step back a few feet from the board or pad. Tell yourself: “These are merely my thoughts. They are not me. I am more than these thoughts.”

Feel the distance between you and these F.E.A.R trap thoughts. The reason we’re doing this is to help you mentally step away from this hinderance of these thoughts and help shift your perspective.

2.Next, take each F.E.A.R. trap thought – write three (3) activities you have done or are doing to support the success of your goal.

Using the first example above:

“My co-workers will laugh at my idea regarding how I want to switch up our marketing approach”

  • I am researching buying trends of our target market which indicates the consumers are moving in a different direction;
  • I am gathering data to support the outcome of our new marketing strategy will be more successful for our 5-year business plan goals;
  • I am consulting with a marketing expert to confirm my thoughts and expectations

3.Rewrite your original thought into a positive perspective:

We started with:

“My co-workers will laugh at my idea regarding how I want to switch up our marketing approach”

Becomes:

“My co-workers will be excited to see how this data, evidence based new marketing approach will support our business success.”

4.Step back, and look at your new perspective - how do these Heightened Emotions Lifting Potential (H.E.L.P.) thoughts feel?

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