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QUARTER NOTE

Prioritize Your Fears

David Freedman, PM2

How do you come to terms with the things you much I endured as well as where I’ve ended up
fear most? today. I know that those fears are largely baseless,
When I was much younger, bullying was a very but it took time to reach the point where I could
real concern for me. Growing up with Moebius essentially wad those thoughts up and throw them

syndrome, a very rare neurological disorder which into the mental shredder, at least temporarily.
caused my face to be bilaterally paralyzed, I dealt One of the things that I learned in the worst
with many people who simply didn’t know what possible way was to prioritize my fears. In other
to make of me. It was extremely common for words, if I’m not good enough to speak up, how do

people to underestimate me or be condescending, I make things work for myself in the classroom
particularly with regards to the fact that my speech as a student, let alone as a writer? Better I keep
impediment was quite severe, making it difficult for quiet for a while until I know what I’m doing, or
me to communicate with people effectively. And of at least to ensure I don’t get bullied further. To say

course, this made me a ripe target for bullies. To this attitude had a deleterious effect on me was an
this day, I still sometimes feel a frisson of anxiety understatement. When you don’t feel you have a
whenever I speak up, even though I know that I’m voice, it’s hard to believe that anything will work out
respected by my friends and peers. “Who are you well for you. Worse, when you really start to believe

to make these points?” my internal critic will growl your fears, the end result is you look at the worst
at me. Or: “Shouldn’t you let other people lead the possible outcomes rather than focus on the goals
way? You’re not ready for these responsibilities.” you’d rather achieve. But sometimes prioritizing
This despite the fact that I’ve taken on many your fears can have the opposite effect. There have

different leadership roles, especially over the last been many people who claim that when you start
decade of being involved in Toastmasters. While your day, you should focus on the thing or project
I’ve had these anxiety-ridden moments much less that you most fear, get it done, and then the rest
often as an adult, they’re still a reminder of how of your day will go more smoothly. In large part

26 ONE COMMUNITY