We’ve all had a moment when we want something, but fear holds us back. Maybe it’s asking for a promotion at work, pursuing a new opportunity, or cutting some bangs at your next salon appointment. As excitement for this new possibility builds, the fear pushes back: fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, fear of negative consequences. Sometimes, it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the fear and anxiety are coming from.
What if you could minimize the fear, freeing yourself to boldly pursue what you want? Imagine the positive impact that could have on your life. Imagine the new things you could experience and achieve. In this blog, we’re exploring how to overcome fear and anxiety with a new tactic I call the Monster Audit.
Fight or Flight as a Result of the Unknown
You’ve probably heard this phrase before: fear of the unknown. We’ve all heard it, but what does it really mean? What does it look like in action? Interestingly, horror films demonstrate how this fear works. While watching scary movies, do you notice that the fear is at its peak right before the monster is revealed? Haunting music, rustling leaves in the background, and dark shadows of unknown figures elevate the heart rate. The suspense builds as our imaginations run wild with what is exactly lurking behind that door.
But then the monster is revealed. Suddenly, relief floods the viewer as it is clear the monster is just a CGI creation, a person in a poorly designed costume, or covered in fake blood. Here a common theme emerges: the fear of the unknown is the worst part. The unknown is what makes horror movies scary. Why? Neurologically, uncertainty is actually a threat-state. The unknown ignites our imagination, causing us to picture the worst case scenario.
Using the Monster Audit to Help Manage Irrational Fear
Now, I’m not a horror film fan by any means. I’d much rather be comfy on my couch with a good RomCom. However, inspired by horror films, I decided to apply these insights to professional and personal fear management. In honor of the movies that inspired it, I call it the “Monster Audit.” This process outlines how to overcome fear and of the unknown by assessing the real risks involved in scenarios. Below, I have outlined the steps of the Monster Audit.
In this technique we pull the fear of the unknown out from under the bed and take an inventory of its real risk to us. The lingering, “I am not sure I can do this,” or “what if I do this and something bad happens,” paralyzes us with fear. The Monster Audit allows you to use the tried and true methodology of audits to see what you are really facing.
Step 1: Define the Worst-Case Scenario
What is the worst possible outcome you can imagine? Don’t let your imagination hold back on this one. For example, say you fear saying a silly thing in a work meeting, which leads to people thinking you don’t know what you are talking about, which leads to people stop working with you which leads to you eventually being ostracized from the team, which could ultimately make you lose your job. What would happen as a result? Maybe you can’t find another job, can’t pay your bills, and end up on the street with your high maintenance cat Fred. As dramatic as this sounds, this would be the true worst case scenario. In this step, it’s important to be honest with yourself and acknowledge your biggest fears.
Step 2: Gauge the Impact
In this step, you evaluate how catastrophic the worst-case outcome would be. For the above example, ending up homeless on the street would be pretty catastrophic. Maybe you could crash on a friend’s couch, or ask your parents for help, and make the impact slightly less terrible. Your job here is to rate the result on a scale from 1-10, with 1 being hardly any negative impact and 10 being one of the worst things you could imagine. This puts into perspective the severity of the worst possible outcome.
In this example let’s rate this a 8 because Fred is definitely going to be upset losing his bed and scratching post.
Impact Score: 8
Step 3: Assess the Likelihood
This step is important. Here you evaluate how likely it is for the worst case scenario to actually occur. Then, rate this scenario with another 1-10 score with 1 being not that likely and 10 being almost certain to happen. Try to keep emotions at bay during this step and be strictly logical. Often, you will find the likelihood to be lower than you had originally thought.
In this example, your work reputation is likely secure enough that a single comment would not derail your standing with colleagues. Even if it did and you did lose your job as a result, you probably have a little savings to hold you over until you find a new role. What about struggling to land another high-quality job? Even if you had to take a job you didn’t love in the meantime, it’s likely you would be able to work somewhere while seeking a better position.
Likelihood Score: 2
Step 4: Calculate the Risk Score
Next it is time to quantify the risk. To do this, you multiple the likelihood score by the impact score. For example, if the likelihood is 2 and the impact is 8, the overall risk score would be 16 out of 100. Put in this perspective, the real world risk is quite low. Note how easily a risk score of 16 can monopolize our thoughts and hold us back from positive action..
When our perspective is muddled by fear, it is easy for the imagination to take over and fixate on the worst case scenario. This can make the worst case scenario appear far more likely than it really is, increasing fear.
Quantifying the risk allows us to conceptualize it in a different, more realistic way, free from fear’s grasp. In doing so, our fear is more known and less unknown— in other words, the monster steps out of the shadows and is revealed.
Overcome Fear and Anxiety with The Monster Audit Mindset Shift
Overcoming fear and anxiety is not about removing fear, but rather viewing it mathematically so we can make informed decisions. It is important to note that the risk score in this example was not zero. The purpose of the Monster Audit is not to eliminate risk, but rather to allow us to see how our perceptions weigh against reality. Once we see the objective risk score, we can ask ourselves if it is worth raising our hand, taking the new job, or saying no. Through the Monster Audit, we are able to take risks that are strategic and aligned with our values. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather taking action despite fear. Perhaps this is the time to use courage and move forward despite there being some risk.
Reagan’s Rule: Conduct a Monster Audit to reveal the real risk of the unknown fears holding you back.
About Reagan
Reagan Cannon is an accomplished leader, author, and motivational speaker. She uses vibrant storytelling to communicate novel ideas, inspiring leaders and their teams. Interested in booking Reagan to host a workshop or speak to your team? Book a free 30 minute call here.
