When Dread Tries to Overcome You

Here is a simple example from my experience of dealing with a difficult situation that had the potential for derailing my momentum. Recently I had to have an interesting discussion over a marketing issue that had the potential to be somewhat awkward. To avoid losing momentum to dread, I followed the advice I am giving to you.

As I felt dread rise in me, I immediately reframed the issue. Instead of framing it as a confrontation to avoid, I framed it as a productive conversation from which momentum was to be gained. All of this in a short three-minute conversation.

First, I took a moment and identified with her in her own struggles. I acknowledged the magnitude of the job she had to do. I expressed confidence in the things I had seen her do well.

Then, I expressed the need that was common for both us: the need to serve our customers well.

Then I planted the seed of a suggestion or two for her to think through over the next week or so. To follow that up I said, “I’d love to know how I can help you serve our customers better. Think about it. Let’s do coffee in a week and figure this out.”

What at first was a defensive posture turned into a smile and agreement. Instead of giving dread the opportunity to put the breaks on our momentum, together, we found a productive way forward.

At times of dread and fear we are not left on our own. The psalmist reminds us we can turn to the Lord at times of fear.

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4).

Paul encourages to take on a thought transplant: to replace thoughts of dread and fear with:

“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8, emphasis mine).

The way you use your mind will determine your productivity. You can receive incredible results with these simple steps. Use the momentum of the dread and turn it to productivity. Seek to understand before being understood. When it arises, you get to decide.

How are you going to confront dread the next time it knocks on your door? {eoa}

© 2013 7m-pact.com Linda Fields – All Rights Reserved. Linda Fields is the Founder and President of 7M-pact, author, corporate consultant, coach, and lecturer at the university level in the United States and abroad.