We can create monsters of our fears in our heads.

Fears can keep us safe throughout our lives. We lock our doors at night and check for ticks after a hike. But fears can also hold us back - especially at work. We may wonder which valuable ideas got left behind because we couldn't find the courage to speak up.

When you have to do something difficult, ask yourself these questions to determine if you're impulsive or need to speak up.

Being an authentic person means having specific opinions and values, and people who have different values will not like what you say or do.