Normalizing fear is a critical first step. We all have fears - it is part of the human experience. Vocalizing our fears can reduce the feeling of shame and can help us right size them. So the first step is to acknowledge the fear and to feel it in the body... and then breathe with it, allow it to be here. From there, we can start to shift it.

When working with fear, a first step is to recognise it, recognise how it feels and the effects it's currently having. By acknowledging it through open discussion and reflection, we can create some immediate relief and begin to overcome it.

To help conquer fear of failure in a new role, encourage a growth mindset: view challenges as learning opportunities. Set realistic goals, celebrate small successes, and learn from mistakes. Provide support, feedback, and resources. Remind them that everyone feels uncertain initially, and with time and effort, they'll grow more confident and competent in their new position.

My favorite quotes related to this are : "Every thousand mile journey begins with just one step." Lao Tzu "How do you eat a 5 ton elephant? One bite at a time." [I don't actually eat elephants. ] The point of these is that we needt to focus on taking the first step, and then the next step, and so on. Chunking it down to incremental steps and small daily practices/tasks is the key to succes.

Fear can occur when we feel we have to do something too big, difficult or unknown so if we are able to adapt our goals to better suit us and our current situation, we can reduce the impact fear has. Realigning goals that stretch us without paralyzing us is a key component to coaching clients through fear.

The keys to personal and professional development are: a growth mindset and self-compassion for when we slip up. The path is not linear - it is full of small steps forward and obstacles along the way. The key is to focus on growth and to be compassionate with ourselves (as opposed to critical) when we fall short. As a former self-defense instructor, I have always appreciated this quote "We don't rise to the level of our aspirations. We fall to the level of our training." So keep practicing....

Fear often comes from the unknown so when help a client see what's on the other side of the fear, or how others have navigated the specific situation, this can prove helpful. Being open to learning and trying new solutions is essential to conquering our fears which is where the role of the coach is so useful.

Helping a client to recognise the balance between fear and resilience is a tool that has worked well for me. Imagine a scale and as we release the fear, bit by bit, resilience increases and the scales tip. By breaking down fears into manageable steps the client can overcome, we help them acknowledge their increase in resilience which also creates more confidence to overcome the next steps.

A question I always ask my clients when we are building out development programs: "What obstacles do you anticipate? And what people, systems, technologies, and inspirations can support you in overcoming these challenges?"

Visualizing success is going to allow them to mentally rehearse positive outcomes and build confidence. This technique helps them focus on their strengths and the steps needed to achieve their goals, reducing anxiety and fostering a proactive mindset. By seeing themselves succeed, they can approach their new role with a sense of preparedness and optimism.

In my experience coaching your clients to visualise the success. Take them through every detail by step how would they feel on their first day, what would they wear, what their job role would be and how they feel about this new role! By allowing them to visualise this it takes the edge of feeling nervous and dealings of fear.