Many newsagents I speak with worry so much about decisions or situations that the worry gets in the way them taking action.
My experience in business is that the only way to deal with a fear is to confront it. Worry will not change anything.
I faced a major fear of mine yesterday when I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been scared of heights. While I still am, that I made it up and down without freaking out (much) has left me feeling more empowered in relation to my fear, stronger.
Embarrassing photos like this one will remind me to not be blocked by a fear.
Congratulations Mark.
I`m not a fan of hieghts either Mark. A few years back I went bungee jumping with the local footy team (I was a sponsor). I was last to jump and there was no way I was going to jump. I froze solid whilst the operator tried to convince me to jump. I told him he could keep the money and to just get me down from there. After some discussion (and pointing to all the footballers on the ground and telling me these blokes wouldnt let me forget not jumping) he told me to try something. He told me to outstretch my arms, close my eyes, tilt my head back and just lean forward a little. I did as I was told and could feel myself losing my feet on the platform. As i was past the point of no return the operator yells “dont jump yet, we havent tied you on”. I screamed like a stuck pig all the way down…….! I suppose the moral of the story was the operator was getting value for his time that I wasted up there ! He`s probably still laughing.
Good on you for facing a fear head on.
Mark and Allan, did you actually ENJOY the experiences, or just relief that you came thru still sane?
This photo is not embarrassing it’s really scary, steps that you can see thru, rails that aren’t fully enclosed and neck high, and how far down is the water?
No thanks, I believe in acceptance and avoidance, not conquering.
Jenny that’s a interesting question, One I asked myself this morning. yesterday, on top of the bridge – no as I was close to losing it. The top of the bridge was more scary for me than the climb.
I think with time I’ll feel better about it and embrace the I DID IT joy.
I think on reflection I enjoyed the experience Jenny, but at the time it was underwear destroying…..!
Allan that’s too much information but hey I did ask. Mark I hope your ‘I did it’ joy comes soon.
I don’t want to sound like a nut job and maybe I am revealing too much but I have found myself thinking about it last night and today, being on the steps or a narrow ledge with a cable between me and falling off and it catches my breath. But then I remind myself I did it and feel good.
skydiving next mark? its a buzz 🙂
Rick I doubt I’ll ever jump out of a plane – but I will do something else scary.
How are the hammies and calves? They killed me after doing the bridge a few (hmmmm 8) years back.
Allan you’re either brave, mad or both. I used to work as a postie for a while and I KNOW rubber bands break regularly and a bungee is only a big rubber band. Glad you enjoyed it, it’s something I’d never do. Now when can I book in to go around the Phillip Island circuit for a track day again……