As I was finishing the reading for my current lesson, the last part of the chapter summary really grabbed my attention. Regarding the risk factors involved with self-disclosure, the reading states, "The final barrier in your path is fear. You can feel fear but should go ahead anyway." Earlier in the reading it was mentioned how we don't have to wait to overcome the fear to do something, we should just do it, pretty much. I think this can be applied to anything, not solely self-disclosure. We may be afraid to go to a job interview; maybe due the possibility of not getting the job. But if we let our fear stop us from going to the interview, there is no possibility of getting the job. Even if we bomb the interview, at least we tried and there is still a chance of landing the job. Many people who do the actual interviewing understand the pressure put on possible candidates, and they are really trying to get a feel for you, and your overall character. Obviously some of the questions they ask will be pertinant to being hired. And although they know our position is stressful, they would much prefer to see someone who can handle that stress in a positive way, and show up to the interview confident that they are capable of doing the job.
What are your thoughts on fear? Do you think we let fear stop us from reaching our goals? What are some ways you deal with your different fears?
According to the reading, "Dale Carnegie offers three suggestions for pressing forward even when fear is present: start with the worst possible scenario, prepare yourself to accept this worst possible outcome, and proceed with a plan."