It worries me because too many people have become frozen by fear.

Let me be clear--fear is a helpful emotion. It alerts us that something is wrong. It literally keeps us alive by letting us know of danger. But it must be managed or it will run roughshod over you.

"Fear makes you live in a state of constant apprehension," says Michael O'Brien, a psychologist and head of Executive Leadership Solutions. "When that happens, you retreat and play it safe. You don't think creatively. You feel powerless. And you make yourself a little crazy."

After all that has happened, we certainly need to express our concerns and fear. But we must get back to work and to making a contribution again. Yes, take precautions and be watchful. But go back to work and do it brilliantly, adds O'Brien.

Eventually we will regain our bearings. In the meantime, we cannot retreat into fear. One woman who flew on a plane this week to attend a conference in Austin wrote to her friend who is afraid to fly:

"I choose to continue my living, which means doing normal things like getting on a plane and flying. I don't want to live in fear. I want to be a part of living and doing my part to bring our country back."

We also cannot afford to see our work as irrelevant in light of the recent events. Let me be clear here, as well. It's a good thing to take a look at priorities and take more time with those you care about, if you weren't doing that before.

But work matters more than ever now. The work you do will keep this country intact economically. It will help you feel powerful again, instead of fearful.

Keep your focus on what you want to move towards. Do no abandon your hopes and dreams, career aspirations and the work you care about. Now is a time when you need something to look forward to. It matters more than ever that you keep on doing what you do well.

© by Andrea Kay