Route 66 Installment #43: Heebie-Jeebies

This post’s title crept up behind me and embedded itself in my brain.

Not literally, of course. But this IS the first post of my self-proclaimed Fear (and Fearless) month, in honor of Halloween.

The phrase Heebie-Jeebies has its origins in the 1920s and was apparently also a dance craze, long before “Thriller.” Its synonyms (most of which we never hear anymore) are:

Dither, jimjams, jitters, nerves, screaming meemies, shakes, shivers, whim-whams, and willies

So, basically, it’s that feeling you get when something freaks you out or gives you (sometimes irrational) anxiety.

For example:

• My four-year-old grandson got the heebie-jeebies when pyrotechnics shot out of a building roof at the Halloween display at Hershey Park.
• I got the heebie-jeebies watching “Monster” on Netflix last night and had to turn it off. I may, however, have to see “Smile” because my cousin is in it.
• When I am concerned about missing a work deadline or losing a client, I get a low-grade case of the heebie-jeebies, although I’ve found that as I get older, fewer things scare me.

True terror is probably a more extreme case of the HJs (my own abbreviation) and I rarely experience it anymore. I also have learned to avoid unpleasant situations, people, and places.

What Gives YOU the Heebie-Jeebies?

Overcoming fear is critical to moving forward and succeeding in work and in life. Taking well-calculated risks, learning to calm ourselves, and ridding our lives of bullies and assholes are all steps we can take every day to manage or eliminate fear factors.

A little fear is actually good for us. (See the first link below for Psychology Today’s take on the topic.)

Throughout October, I’ll be tackling various aspects of fear and how it can motivate us to make decisions and create profitable products and services.

Think about the things — little and significant — that are still fear factors in YOUR life and how they’re helping or harming you. And remember…

Don’t be afraid to click on these links. They lead to interesting places.

	Good fear versus bad fear
	When do we start to fear strangers? When do babies first feel fear?
	As I age, I’m battling this.
	Here are the most common phobias today. I’m surprised FOMO didn’t make the list!