By Jock on Tuesday 1st April, 2008

Feel the fear...

"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" is one of those lifestyle/motivational books that several colleagues about fifteen years ago swore by but to which I gave a wide berth. But maybe I should have read it...I've been out canvassing tonight, something about which I have an irrational phobia.

I don't think Lib Dem colleagues actually understand what I mean when I say that - they think I'm joking, making light of it. But I really am not. The thought of ringing strangers' doorbells and asking them what even I consider to be a pretty personal question about who they are likely to vote for puts me on the edge of a panic attack.

I can't explain it - I guess that's why it's an irrational fear. It makes me feel guilty afterwards too as I never get as much done as others out with me. But if anyone knows of an instant cure I'd be grateful to hear about it!

Tagged with

Lib Dem, miscellany

Comments

At about 16:11 on 05 Apr 2008 The Poet Laura-eate wrote...

Of all the self-help books, Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway is actually the best in my opinion. Published just at the cusp of the 'lifestyle' guru industry taking off, so more genuine than many too. I think your phobia about ringing doorbells is entirely understandable. Few of us are comfortable about it/particularly if rejection tends to be a bit more personal than to the Betterware seller!

At about 10:55 on 06 Apr 2008 Ruth Wilkinson wrote...

I find it really hard too Jock, you're not alone. In your case it's trickier because some of the issues that may present themselves on the doorstep may be political, and others may be work-related. So one decision you have to make is to know your boundaries: say, for example, "This is a work issue, I'm not currently here in my work capacity but what I will do is note down your issue in my notebook and get back to you later in the week..." Similarly if someone goes on a long rant about an issue say "This is a subject we need to discuss at greater length and unfortunately I don't have enough time right now to do it justice because I have another appointment, let me have your contact details and we'll discuss it further at....(after the elections) Setting boundaries seems to be the all important thing when you read these self help books. And when you canvas, remember that you are extremely unlikely to influence/change people's voting habits on the doorstep. I don't know if this is right or wrong, but it seems to me that one of the most valuable things you can do on the doorstep is to advise people how to vote tactically to get another party out, so work on a script for that e.g. nos other party councillors vs Lib Dem councillors on the City Council etc. And look at the pledges and work out which ones suit your electors the best. It's not a lot of consolation, but the more experience you gain from it, it does get a little easier. The first house is always the worst, get that over and you're on a winner. What's the worst that could happen? They may not vote for you. Well the chances are that they won't bother to vote for anyone. If they don't vote for you, try and ensure that they won't vote for your biggest competitor. One councillor told a potential voter that he would be grateful if the voter did NOT vote for him as their views were fundamentally different. Fair enough! And remember it's not just canvassing that gets you known, there are lots of leaflets going round that will make a case for you too. Always free for a coffee and a chat some time! Ruth

About Jock

Name: Jock Coats

Age: 40s

Lives: Oxford, UK

Works: IT Support, Oxford Brookes University, where I am also a Governor of the University and a Warden in a hall of residence.

I am a card carrying Lib Dem, but am a confirmed market-anarchist, of the US Individualist Anarchists or Mutualist tradition. Other passions are social enterprise, monetary reform and housing. See full profile and contact form and at the following web-haunts: