What is on your Intimidation List?
Ask yourself: What intimidates you?
Things that intimidate us are often the cause of stress (known or unknown). However, the reality is if we are able to pinpoint what intimidates us and what causes us stress – we can fix the root cause (and not just use short term solutions).
Write in your Prompt Journal the answer to two key questions:
- What am I intimidated by?
- Why am I intimidated by that?
Once you have written down everything that springs to mind, set out some space in your journal to note additional intimidations down as and when you come across them.
Be specific.
You will be surprised at how many small things you can’t face or you put off habitually.
What intimidates you?
Write about specific things that you find intimidating. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to be able to identify why you are intimidated and come up with a solution.
Once you’ve figured out what you’re intimidated by, take it a step further, and ask yourself why. Tease it out by using the journaling process.
Once you have a list (and the why) look for common themes, think about solutions, e.g. if you are intimidation by something because you don’t understand it – learn more about it, if you are intimidation by a particular person but you realise it is because you don’t really know them – get to know them better.
Finally, as always reflect and review your list.
Identifying and facing your fears on a regular basis and putting in a process to minimise them can really help you manage your stress levels among other things.