Ep. 86: The Monster Under the Bed: What Are You Afraid to Face?

Aug 18

In this solocast, I’m exploring what happens when performers try to avoid the very things they’re most afraid of.

Maybe it’s falling. Missing the shot. Losing the tournament. Getting hurt. Looking like a fraud. Our instinct is often to push those possibilities away and use mental skills to stay calm, focused, and in control. But when we’re using those tools to cover up what’s happening underneath, we can actually create an artificial ceiling on our performance.

I break down three ways we tend to relate to fear: pretending the “monster” isn’t there, trying to lock it away, or learning to acknowledge it, accept what’s possible, and make an empowered choice anyway.

We’ll also look at practical ways to work with these experiences through journaling, pendulation, and meditation—and why the thing you’re most determined to avoid may actually point toward your greatest opportunity for growth.

What if your fear isn’t something you need to overcome in order to perform at your best? What if learning to work with it is part of what makes you a better performer?

Learn more about working with me one-on-one and my new coaching course at drkcoaching.com .