Frozen by Fear or Focused by Fear

When times are difficult, we have two choices. We can choose to focus on hope, make the most of it, and come out better and stronger. Otherwise, we can choose to be frozen by our fear. I choose to be better and stronger because hope is more powerful than fear.

Frozen by Fear

Most business people are anxious and uncertain during trying times. Many are frozen in fear because of the total lack of certainty and the constantly changing conditions. Those who are frozen in fear have essentially given up and are waiting to see what happens to them instead of taking action that will influence their destiny. Consequently, any notion of networking with their connections is totally off their radar. Fear has frozen them in place while they wait for the next wave of bad news to hit them.

Focused by Fear

For some business people, “fear” has focused them. The challenges that they are experiencing have given them a laser focus on immersing and engaging with their goals. It has motivated them to focus on their targets. During difficult times there are almost always opportunities that exist, and if you want to succeed, you have to focus on those opportunities.

A Beacon of Hope

The time you focus upon your networking efforts will improve on the connections that you would like to turn into stronger relationships. Take the time to reach out to your closest colleagues and see how they are doing. Find out if there is anything you can do to help them. You may not be able to help everyone but you can help someone. Talk to them about how you are doing and ask for help that you think they may be able to provide. It may be moral support or it may be referrals to assist your business.

I don’t know what our future holds but I do know that we can influence it and the best way to influence it is to embrace the relationships that you’ve established over the years. Today, more than ever, you need your network. You need people around you to help and support you. You can get frozen by your fear, or focused by your fear, and your network is a beacon of hope in a sea of fear.