Everyone fears something. It’s part of human nature to be afraid of something. That doesn’t change in the workplace, where fears such as not getting that expected promotion, speaking in front of coworkers during a meeting, and even the fear of being fired surround many people each and every day.
It’s not easy living in fear of your workplace; after all, with 8-hour work days, 5 days a week, we spend most of our waking hours at our jobs!
That’s why it’s so important to learn how to overcome these fears. Because if you don’t, they can make your life miserable, and hinder you from moving on to bigger and better things in your career.
Here are a few tips that can help you get out of a metaphorical rut that’s holding you down, and back on your feet, conquering your workplace fears!
Find The Cause
There’s always a cause for your workplace fear, even if it’s not immediately clear upon the first inspection. In order to get over your fear, you have to first learn how to identify it. Are you afraid that another coworker is going to get promoted before you, even though you have more experience and you’re a harder worker? Do you think that you’re not reaching your full potential in the eyes of your superior? These are common fears that many of us face, but you’ll have to root all the cause of your fear before it can be conquered.
Make a list of things that worry you, or seem to cause tension when you’re at work. It might even be certain people that you work with who are causing strife. But it’s always best to first identify the cause of the problem.
Talk To Coworkers
Have you talked to your coworkers about your fears? Chances are, you’re not the only one who faces difficulties at work. Many employees find themselves suffering from the same workplace fears (especially if the cause of the fear is a common overbearing coworker or boss). Problems always seem to work themselves out whenever people share their thoughts and feelings with each other. If nothing else, you’ll find an ally in your coworker who shares the same fears as you, and you can help each other get through them!
Find Solutions
Of course, whenever you figure out the cause of your fears, the next big step is to solve the problem. I’ve already mentioned talking with coworkers and seeing if they face the same fears as you, but this is just one solution. Other solutions could be something as simple as removing yourself from a place of fear by listening to calming music, or drinking herbal tea, or something more extream such as finally pushing yourself to speak and lead an important meeting. If your problem is a coworker, maybe you can find a time to finally sit down and sort out all the concerns you have with how they’re treating you. Not in a judgemental way, mind you, but in a way that comes off as caring, with a sense of “I just want to get along.”
If you feel like certain things at your workplace are causing you to be unhappy and fearful, you have to take steps in order to solve the problem. Be courageous, and face your fears! Your life/work balance will thank you later for it.
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