I don’t know that I chose to be exceptional. The term was not one that I chose for myself. I sort of went kicking and screaming into the concept of being exceptional. It was not a smooth transition.

I had a lot of fears in my adult life and particularly in my business. Many of these fears surfaced and it impacted my business for a number of years. Fear of failure, as well as, fear of success keeping creeping in and I would find an unconscious way to sabotage myself.

In the Spring of 2004, I knew it was time to face my fears once and for all. I knew it would help my life and my coaching business. At the time, there was a television show called “Starting Over” that I loved watching. It was a coaching show that dealt with women with special challenges and issues. One of the coaches was Rhonda Britten, the author of “Fearless Living”.

I visited Rhonda’s website and knew I had struck gold. I was set on path of why I had all the fear. Through Rhonda’s Fearless Living Institute, I confirmed that the fear was holding me back and keeping me in a space of mediocrity. I grew to recognize the triggers that sent me into the downward spiral of fear. Once I understood, I learned to manage fear better. Realizing so much was well within my control was liberating. I traveled to one of Rhonda’s programs in Philadelphia. I even became a Fearbuster Group Leader, leading others to a greater understanding of how fear gripped their lives. That support continues in everything I do today.

It does not mean that I don’t face fear today. Today, I handle it differently. It’s about how I decide to show up and whether or not I allow it to stop my or knock me off my path. I choose to move forward right through fear with all of my tools in tow.

Fear can really make you or break you. When you master the fears you face, you’re well on your way to becoming truly exceptional.

What are your fears?
Have you identified your triggers?
How do you handle fear?

Fostering a successful environment is important when you’re shifting from entrepreneur to CEO of your business. Shedding toxicity, including the negative influences, is necessary to stay motivated while encouraging your team to strive to have a productive day, everyday. Welcome team members who genuinely support you and lend positivity to every interaction. Welcome coaches, mentors, partners, and collaborators who inspire you and encourage your success. You definitely want to surround yourself with only the best-est, kewl-est and most authentic people who wish you infinite joy in each and every endeavor! This includes you, too! Make sure you’re promoting that same infinite joy with a healthy mindset.

In 2004, I read Fearless Living: Live Without Excuses and Love Without Regret by well-known coach, Rhonda Britten. It totally changed my life! Britten challenged me as a committed reader, to recognize the toxic people in my life — people she refers to as “fear junkies.” You know these venomous individuals as the naysayers who impose their fears on you. You may also see the “misery loves company” types who want to hold you back or keep you where they are. Fear junkies are also notorious complainers who rarely have something positive to say. I think there is a little fear junkie in everyone.

Stay aware so when you see their fear running amuck, you’re able to respond appropriately to respond to the toxins appropriately. I wholeheartedly agree with Britten’s recommendation to leave the fear junkies behind, especially when they pose a danger to you and your business. Potential danger means your interactions with the fear junkie create an adverse impact; trigger fear responses from you; or have a negative result in your life or business.

Interestingly, the fear junkies aren’t always aware of how they show up in your world. That’s why it’s SO important for you to pay close attention to your associates, friends and even family members in your corner of the world. It doesn’t mean operate from a place of suspicious. It means being very aware of interactions which steer you away from a positive perspective or a focused way of thinking or being.

Remember you are the CEO and that means that you have to execute your vision with precision and strategy. One of the kewl-est things you can do for your business is to shed yourself and your business of any and all toxicity attempting to take an extended seat in your business!

Food for thought: Who are the fear junkies in your life?