How to leverage your fear as a form of energy?

We have all experienced situations where our nerves start to get the better of us. Your palms start to sweat, your stomach begins to tighten and that noise begins to get louder. These moments have been experienced by everyone and some people have allowed them to take control, whilst others have learnt the art of acknowledging them and then simply labelling them as "energy' and "noise".

Energy is wonderful, it is what athletes use and draw on to achieve their goals; to win that race and to score that try. You can use it to your advantage or you can allow it to zap you. The same applies to noise, it can turn into fear or negative self-talk, but the reality is you can take control. Most of the time fear occurs as we spend more energy trying to hide it and this within itself provides an opportunity to extenuate the situation.

Finding a road map that works for you will enable you to control your path forward, so what road map will you create to manage these moments better?

Let's begin by acknowledging what they are and when they occur. You will not be standing alone when you share these very moments with others. Most likely people will be able to relate and will share their experiences with you. Be authentic, people don't want to be intimidated by the person who appears to be brilliant at everything, they want to be able to look at you and say "that is what I want to achieve" or "this is how I want to present myself" and if you have children, well let's face it, you want them to say " that is what I want to be like when I grow up".

It is important to share your road map with others. Sharing your challenges alongside your road map forward allows others to follow.

Most people want to be able to relate and if you truly want to be a brilliant leader then share those moments of vulnerability. Allow people to see that there are times where you too have had moments of fear, moments where your nerves had taken over. Everybody wants to belong, and yes I understand that we all care what others think of us but if we look at each situation and are authentic in what we say and how we engage, we will also accept and manage feedback slightly differently, and more importantly be better leaders.

Being authentic and providing a new platform for others to follow is a gift that is worthy of sharing. Demystifying appearances and sharing tools and skills is the most valuable asset you can share with someone. Are you prepared to acknowledge your noise, your nerves and allow people to see how you succeed?

How authentic are you? The answers to these will enable you to achieve your goals.

Be a better leader. Be authentic.