How to Use Fear to Your Advantage

I am fearfully writing this post, I don’t know where it will lead me to, I don’t even know if I will hit at least 600 words. But well, let the fear lead me through, the fear of not hitting my writing mark, the fear of failing to do it tonight.

Our great forefathers and ancestors, all preached about fear, they said fear was/is like a ghost or a demon that possessed us unknowingly. They further went ahead to say fear made us weak, frail and often led to failure. From this point of view, fear is a bad thing and a cause of failure,  fear is an unknown demon that fears no man, fear is fear.

To this, I say “YES”, but not entirely. You see, this “demon” called fear can also be a good thing, our forefathers only described one side of the coin. But you will agree with me that every coin has two sides, the other side of fear is not widely talked about, many people avoid it probably because they fear to know more about fear, or simply because no one has dared to properly explain to them the unknown.

Yesterday, if you told me “fear is good for personal development and growth”, I would simply walk away from you if not give you a stern slap across your cheek, but today, if you told me the same statement,  I would simply hug you and shower you with pecks, we don’t always have to conquer our fears, sometimes, we should use them.

This is why!

“Remember our rule of thumb: The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it… Therefore, the more fear we feel about a specific enterprise, the more certain we can be that that enterprise is important to us and to the growth of our soul.” – Steven Pressfield

Your fear is designed to take care of you. And it’s also a total goldmine when it comes to navigating your way through your career change. Because if fear is a sign that you’ve got something precious on the table, then you can start to use it as a compass.

Shift Your Perspective

Rather than viewing fear as a negative force, reframe it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Recognize that stepping outside your comfort zone is often necessary to explore new avenues and unlock your full potential. Embrace the mindset that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset allows you to see failures and setbacks as valuable lessons rather than permanent roadblocks. Embrace the belief that your abilities and skills can be developed through dedication and effort. By reframing failure as a stepping stone towards success, you can overcome fear and approach new opportunities with resilience and determination.

Take Calculated Risks

Overcoming fear requires taking calculated risks. Assess the potential risks and rewards of a particular opportunity, and weigh them against your personal and professional goals. Develop a plan and take deliberate steps towards your desired outcome. Remember that growth often occurs outside of your comfort zone, and taking risks is essential for career advancement.

Knowledge is Power

Fear often stems from the unknown. Arm yourself with knowledge and information related to the opportunity or challenge at hand. Research the industry, seek advice from mentors, and acquire the skills necessary to tackle the situation. The more you understand, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel in facing your fears head-on.

When you learn to use your fear for the better other than cowering and hiding, it can be a stepstone to career advancement. Fear of failure will have you putting in extra hours to hone your skills, cultivate your professional connections, take on a new course and so much more. Remember, “When it doesn’t scare you, you’re probably not dreaming big enough.”