"The professional athlete's love of an
adrenaline spike should almost never be
linked to compulsive behavior. Quite the
opposite is true. It's more appropriate to say
that taking a risk and succeeding because
of their wits and skill feels orgasmic."
— Maryann Karinch —
Lessons from the Edge |
YOUR BUILT-IN FEAR-HANDLING FUEL*
When you are afraid, your body responds with its own form of
rocket fuel: adrenaline.
Adrenaline is one of the natural drugs your body releases when
you push limits or you are confronted with a challenge. Adrenaline
flows through your body, giving you extra awareness, mental
clarity and the ability to respond quickly to different situations.
Colors are sharper, sounds are clearer. You are more conscious
of odors and your body feels energized.
Whether you are jumping out of a plane or setting up a sales
presentation with your hottest prospect, if the activity scares
you, adrenaline will provide you with the strength you need
to succeed. By recognizing how you feel when adrenaline is coursing
though your veins, you will become much more skilled at using
this ally to your advantage because you are employing it to
accomplish a goal.
At the same time you should be aware that adrenaline also kicks
in when you are under all kinds of stress, everything from getting
caught in traffic to dealing with difficult people. In these
types of everyday situations, adrenaline can burn you out because
your body doesn't get a chance to rest and recuperate.
I used to get tense from adrenaline in all kinds of circumstances
and now, because I've gotten used to the feeling through extreme
sports, I can say, "Ah, I know this feeling. It's adrenaline.
I need to be aware of why I'm feeling it. Am I facing a real
risk or do I just need to reduce the number of stressful events
that I tolerate in my life? Maybe I need to leave a little earlier
to avoid traffic or perhaps I should discuss what's bothering
me with a friend."
By learning what adrenaline feels like you can use it instead
of it using you.
ACTION IDEA:
UNDERSTAND HOW FEAR WORKS
Answer the following questions to get a better understanding
of how you handle fear.
1. What is the scariest thing you've ever done?
2. Why did you do it?
3. What was your fear telling you?
4. What were you focusing on?
5. What could you have focused on to reduce your fear?
6. What did you learn about yourself and your fears?
*(This article was an excerpt from Rich's new book Extreme Success)
Copyright
© 2004 Rich Fettke www.Fettke.com
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