The American Repossessor

Fear–noun

Fear is a good thing. There are many times in a man or woman’s life when fear enters into play. There are many causes of fear and probably as many reactions to fear that a person can experience, for fear is an emotion just as anger or happiness. Fear can affect a person both physiologically, neurologically and behaviorally. How people deal with fear is as complex as fear itself.

In conversations with other Recovery Agents or prospective Agents I have often come across the individual who claims that they are not scared of any ‘damn’ thing. I am amused when I hear that because through my psychology courses, I know that this person is either lying or has a serious mental defect.

Throughout my life, I have repeatedly sought out activities that would bring on the emotion or experience of fear.  Activities that produce self-induced fear, whether it is rappelling down the side of a sky-scraper, surfing an incredibly large wave or repossessing a vehicle, have always lured me to them. What really fascinates me is the way that I control the fear, develop it and use it to my advantage.

With a group of friends, I once jumped into the waters of the Mackenzie River in Eugene, Oregon to ‘swim’ the rapids on this certain section of the river. We entered at a fairly calm area, but were quickly taken downstream at an alarming rate, directly for the section of rapids that I was apprehensive about. Trying to time my last breath before hitting the rapids, I was sucked under about 5 feet shy of where I thought I would and spent an eternity being dashed and thrashed about. It scared me to death. I sucked some water in and had a gash on my leg, but I was able to control that fear and we swam those rapids all day long, still scared of what could happen, but having a blast.

With repossessions it’s the same thing. I was terrified when I ran my first account and there was a decent amount of fear associated with the very last one I did. There is an inherent danger to repossessions, but the fear associated with it has made me more alert to the dangers that exist. Fear enables me to make decisions quickly. Fear enables me to deal with an irate debtor in a manner conducive to a better outcome for the both of us. Fear enables me to walk away and try another day. Fear keeps me safe and fear makes me a better Field Agent.

I have often been described by the adjective ‘fearless’, but let it be known that the key to success in many areas is by retaining a little fear.

I would have to conclude that an Agent who does not experience fear and is not willing to admit it, may not be the best team player and would be downright detrimental to the Agency.

Fear is a good thing!

Dave Branch

In part II of this article, I will share some of the techniques and tips that I have used to control fear, use it to my advantage and to make the most out of a sometimes dangerous situation.