>> Is anxiety hijacking you from getting ahead?
>> Feel too nervous to speak in meetings, ask for a promotion, or have that difficult conversation?
>> Trip the switch on anxiety by reframing it as excitement…
FACTS: Did you know?
Anxiety is a state of high arousal
It’s an automatic reaction
It’s experienced as a negative emotion
Limits working memory
Decreases self- confidence
Compromises task performance
Excitement is also a state of high arousal
It’s experienced as a positive emotion
Promotes an opportunity mindset
Improves task performance
How to turn your anxiety into excitement in 4 steps:
1. Identify a situation that makes you feel nervous e.g. to speak in meetings
2. Find something about the situation that makes you feel excited e.g. sharing a unique insight
3. And now, imagine yourself in the situation feeling that excitement e.g. What are you wearing, where are you, what’s going on around you, how does excitement feel for you?
4. The next time you approach that situation e.g. meeting, bring this image to mind and say
“I’m excited.” The feeling statement reinforces and orientates you towards achieving a positive outcome.
By reframing your anxiety into excitement you’re able to channel the energy- high arousal state- into a productive and enjoyable experience.
>> Have fun with this and let me know how it works for you!
Source: A.W Brooks, Get Excited: Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety as Excitement, Harvard Business School, 2013
