For many people, the workplace can be a daunting environment, especially in a new job. It’s a steep learning curve and one mistake can lead to demotion or even the loss of employment. If you have a family to support you may be completely dependent on your job, and losing it could be catastrophic financially.
However, with time comes experience, and, if you are lucky, promotion. As you move up the ladder the fear fades as you feel more secure within the company and your role.
But for others, it’s the prospect of promotion itself that is terrifying. As the old saying goes, “With power comes responsibility”,and a promotion will certainly bring both. In the new role there may be an expectation to travel, and if you have a fear of flying that’s a no-no. Or maybe your new office is on the 30th floor and you have a fear of heights. Terrifying! But the most common reason people fear promotion is public speaking. Even going around the table and introducing yourself can be scary for some.
Any of these fears can hold you back in your career. Unless you address them you will sabotage your own progress without even realising it. So how do address them?
Stop and take time out.
When you are working, your minds is in overdrive. If you feel scared or anxious while you are working, take a short break and find something to take your mind off that feeling. Take a tea break with your colleagues or just look at the picture of your family to get you inspired to work well.
Breathing exercises
If you feel like your fear is overwhelming your body, do not fight it. Sometimes, the feeling just needs a way to release itself and holding it in can be dangerous. When the feeling does overwhelm you, sit still and breathe in and out slowly. You can also try out breathing exercises online which can help you cope up with your fear.
Face your fears
When you are faced with your worst fear (it could be speaking to others or working on a difficult task), do not shy away from it. Face your fear and see if there is a reason to fear it. It also makes the entire experience less scary and helps you control your responses the next time you are faced with it.
Phobia Treatment
If the self-help treatments above cannot help you, modern phobia treatments are highly effective. Hypnotherapy is one of the most effective treatments because it works directly with the unconscious mind. Fear of Public Speaking Hypnotherapy is particularly effective. Hypnotherapy brings a patient to a state of heightened awareness and while in this state, patients are able to explore their subconscious and make powerful long-lasting changes.
Patients are in control of their actions and will be guided by hypnotherapists throughout the session. They will make suggestions to help change your behaviour in response to the object of their fear.
If you decide to try hypnotherapy, try to avoid cheap therapists. They are cheap for a reason. A more experienced therapist will be booked up several weeks in advance and will be able to treat your phobia in a very small number of sessions. Always use a phobia specialist. They are more likely to have experience of working with a phobia just like yours.
Medication
Medication is another way to help you deal with fear, but it is not usually recommended. However, when it is recommended, it is usually to help the effects of fear, like anxiety. The usual medications recommended for anxiety include antidepressants, tranquilizers and beta-blockers.
Conclusion
Fear and stress at work are normal because you want to do well. However, you should not let your fear stop you from excelling in work. With these treatments you can eliminate these fears and allow yourself to achieve the levels of success you deserve.