Conquer your fear. Fundamental #2.

"Every great batter works on the theory that the pitcher is more afraid of him than he is of the pitcher." Ty Cobb

Are you fearful? Afraid of your customer? Their reaction to a situation? Are you afraid of your prospect, of them saying something and you won't know how to respond? Scared of cold calling? Nervous about asking about budget? Unsure and full of trepidation about how the next call will go, so you don't make it? Then call someone who you know will be nice to you instead? Agitated and apprehensive before your next presentation?

Before working yourself up, anticipating and predicting what horrible result there may be, take a step back. Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen, really? In front of a large group, will your clothes suddenly fall off and you will be left standing there naked? Of course not. Might you stumble over a few words? Sure, probably will. Everyone in the room has done the same thing and if anything, empathizes with you. Remember, most clients who are looking to tear you down never have any intention of working with you anyway. But most are not. They are looking for help with their problem, and if you honestly believe you can assist them, all else will fall into place.

The ability to face the most difficult challenges head on is a separation between average and great. To attempt to conquer your fear, to make the difficult call, to ask the key uncomfortable question, to do what needs to be done even if it fills you with dread, that will make you better at your job, your life, your relationships. What is the worst that can happen? Will you find out information you did not know before? That is a good positive result, that you can use in your next conversation, with them or the next.

This is not a one time solution. This must be your mantra day in and day out, do what makes you uncomfortable. Do it and do it again. Do it over. Do it until it hurts. Do it until you learn how to do it better. Then find the next difficulty to face.