
8 minute read
HOW TO OVERCOME
How To Overcome Your Workplace Fears
Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears. your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether. Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.
1ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR
Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step. By just naming it and then talking it out in 2TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me,
it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.
3THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad after all. Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off. Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.
4COMPARTMENTALIZE If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying,
you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.
5START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed. A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence. A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.
Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.
IAN CRIST
Broker Ian Crist – of Keller Williams Realty Professionals in Portland, Oregon – is a dynamic, intelligent and hardworking real estate professional who is dedicated to providing his clients with the top-notch customer service. Having built his business on a solid foundation of honesty, integrity, industry knowledge and an indefatigable work ethic, Ian has earned his stellar reputation as a trusted real estate advocate.
Ian officially began his journey in real estate upon becoming licensed in 2017, though his interest in the business began much earlier. “My grandfather has actually been a Realtor for forty years,” explains Ian. “It really intrigued me that buying or selling a house is probably one of the biggest financial transactions a person is going to make.” While still in college, Ian mused about joining the corporate world, though a job with Nike soured him on that goal. “I decided it wasn’t a good fit for me,” he says. “I’m very entrepreneurial, and I liked the idea of starting my own business and working for myself.” Upon graduation, Ian obtained his license, joined a powerhouse team of agents, and began making his mark upon the industry.
After recently stepping out on his own as a solo agent, Ian’s business has continued to thrive and grow, based in large part on his unique approach to working with clients. A self-professed numbers guy, Ian works hard to help his clients bypass sentimentality and view their home purchase as an investment. “I love working with clients, particularly younger clients,” he says. “I want to help set them up for years down the road, and to get them into that investing mindset.”
Currently, a significant portion of Ian’s business is based upon returning customers, referrals, and positive word of mouth, an impressive achievement in the highly competitive real estate industry. Ian’s professionalism has translated into a five-star overall rating on Zillow. com, comprised of glowing testimonials like this one: “Ian is truly a realtor that cares, and I can attest to this with firsthand knowledge. He will go above and beyond for his clients. I would highly recommend his services, and I trust him with any real estate needs.”
There are many other factors that have contributed to Ian’s ever-growing success story, and chief among them would be expert negotiation skills and his leave-nostone-unturned approach to marketing, which includes reaching out to other area Realtors with information on new listings.
When he’s not working, Ian enjoys staying physically fit. A longtime athlete – he played sports in college – he loves going to the gym. He also enjoys spending time with friends and working to create a sensible work/life balance.
Ian has big plans for the future of his business, which includes obtaining his Principal Broker’s license. He also wants to grow a team to support this growth. However, his primary goal is the same as it’s been since his first day as an agent: to continue providing his many clients with the unparalleled customer service that has become his calling card.
For more about Ian Crist, please call 503-508-0131 or email IanCrist@kw.com

JOSE CONTRERAS
Jose Contreras began his real estate career at an early age, working for his parents’ real estate business in Mexico, where he grew up. “I had been working for my parents doing property management from lease agreements and working with tenants,” Jose says, “so when I came to the US in 2000, I thought, I’m already learning something in Mexico, why not learn it here in the US?” Jose got his real estate license in 2005 and has been in the business ever since. Jose’s clients value his great communication, his initiative, and his honesty.

Jose serves the Porter Ranch, Northridge and Chatsworth area. “Most of my business has been through past clients and sphere of influence, which has been great,” he says. “I try to cater a lot to my past clients, and that’s how I get a lot of my business. My clients’ positive reviews online have also created new clients.”
Jose’s proactive approach to communication truly sets him apart. “I believe in being responsive,” he says. “I don’t like leaving the ball on my side of the court. When I get an initial call from someone who wants to buy or sell, I try to connect with them immediately. I try to provide value, and I think that’s what people tend to appreciate.”
That positive habit of communication extends to making the whole process transparent for his clients. “I like to explain the process of everything, whether it be on the listing side or the buying side,” Jose says. “My father always used to say whatever you do, make sure that when you put your head on the pillow at night you can sleep at peace. A lot of that has to do with doing the right thing, being open to people, communicating clearly, and being transparent. If you do that, good business will come to you.” When it comes to marketing his listings, Jose says, “We create the right buzz through mailing campaigns, social media campaigns, and reaching out to the neighborhood within that specific area where the house will be listed.” Jose also makes a point of approaching his listings honestly, which benefits everyone involved. “I like to do a lot of pre-inspections so that when we market the house, we can call it a ‘homebuyer-ready’ house. Nothing is hidden, and everything’s out there.”
Community involvement is important to Jose, and he and his team donate to non profits like Next Chance Rescue, Underground Railroad and the local Shepherd of the Hills Church. Jose also likes to put the spotlight on local businesses through doing events with them and making videos to support them. When he is not working, Jose loves spending time with his family including his 3 beautiful kids, as well as getting outdoors. He enjoys hiking, being in nature, and going to the beach.
In the future, Jose plans to continue growing his business within his local market, with a goal of eventually building up a team of other agents who can help him serve the local community. He would also like to grow his business into investments, something he has always enjoyed. Above all, Jose says, “I love working with people and connecting with them. It’s a great partnership, and I love what I do. I empower myself, and if people connect with me, then it’s not work. I look at it

as a way of life.”
For more about Jose Contreras, please call 619-456-5367, email JoseCL7@Gmail.com, or visit www.josecontreras.com