Rethinking Fear
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Fear isn’t real.” Maybe you’ve seen a corporate speaker or a TikTok influencer confidently scrawl the acronym F.E.A.R. on a flip chart—“False Evidence Appearing Real.”
It sounds profound. But has it ever actually helped?
Imagine standing on the edge of a major life decision, feeling that tightness in your chest, the uncertainty creeping in. And then someone tells you, “Oh, don’t worry! Fear is just false evidence appearing real.”
Does that make it go away? Does it make the decision any easier?
Of course not. Because fear isn’t just a trick of the mind—it’s real. And more importantly, it has a purpose.
Fear as a Compass
Rather than treating fear as something to avoid, what if we saw it as a directional sign?
Think about the most pivotal moments in your life—the times when you took a risk, stepped into the unknown, or made a decision that changed everything.
- The first time you asked for a raise.
- The first time you had to make a tough call as a leader.
- The first time you shared your work with the world, unsure of how it would be received.
In each of these moments, fear was there. It wasn’t a warning to stop—it was proof that what you were about to do mattered. And yet, you moved forward. Looking back, what once felt terrifying now seems like just another step in your journey.
So if fear was present before every major breakthrough, what does that tell us? That fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s an indicator that you’re on the right path.
The Link Between Fear and Growth
Fear and growth are two sides of the same coin. If you never feel discomfort, you’re probably not growing.
When fear shows up, it’s often because:
- You’re stepping into something meaningful.
- You’re pushing beyond what’s familiar.
- You’re on the edge of a breakthrough.
Instead of asking, “How do I get rid of fear?” a better question might be, “How do I move forward despite it?”
Because the people who achieve the most—the ones who create, lead, and inspire change—aren’t fearless. They’ve just learned to walk with fear rather than run from it.
Turning Fear into Fuel
If fear signals opportunity, then how do you use it to your advantage?
1.
Acknowledge it
Instead of resisting fear, recognize it for what it is—a sign that something important is happening.
2.
Shift your perspective
Rather than seeing fear as a reason to stop, view it as proof that you’re growing.
3.
Take the first step
Fear thrives in inaction. The moment you move, its grip loosens.
4.
Look back at past wins
What once scared you now feels easy. This is proof that fear fades when faced.
What’s Your Next Move?
Right now, there’s something in your life that scares you—a conversation, a decision, an opportunity you’ve been hesitating on.
What if, instead of avoiding it, you leaned in? What if, instead of letting fear hold you back, you used it as a guide?
Because fear isn’t the enemy. It’s the fertilizer of growth.
