Coaching with NLP For Dummies®

Overcoming Fear

Fear centres on the expectation of something unpleasant or undesirable happening in the future. Fear can freeze your clients to the spot or trigger frantic action to get away from the fear. Fear is a proven motivator, yet it's one that leaves people feeling drained of energy and operating below their potential.

Sometimes the fear isn't tangible or even rational to articulate – a sense that things aren't right. Although fear can keep you from achieving some goals, it can also serve as a useful warning mechanism.

When Jason was on holiday with a group of friends, several of them decided on an adventure activity – swinging through woodland on ropes – but as it came to Jason's turn to jump off a high ledge, he felt inside that he shouldn't do it and refused to go ahead, not really knowing why. The following day he had problems seeing out of one eye and ended up in hospital with a detached retina. The specialist told him that if he'd jumped, he may well have lost his sight permanently. He subsequently pays a lot of attention to his instinctive feelings.

To let go of fear and build confidence, clients must recognise the sensation of fear and face up to what may be unnerving them. Some common fears that people bring to coaching include:

• Finance and possessions. Do I have enough money? Can I buy the right car, house, clothing, treats? What if I lose my treasured belongings? ...