Driving, Pressure Cookers, and Other Fears: A Journey to Courage and Authenticity

Picture this: I have a driver's license, but I don't drive. In fact, I bought an automatic car, fully convinced it would miraculously transform me into a road warrior. Spoiler alert: it didn't.

Instead, I ended up hiring a driver and clinging to my fear like it was my lifeline. Why, you ask? Because there are three things in this world that scare me : pressure cookers, late-night run-ins with street dogs, and, of course, the art of driving.

I've chanted my fears like mantras so many times that they're practically tattooed on my psyche.

But wait, I did confront these fears from time to time.

Yes, I've dared to cook with a pressure cooker, checking on it more often than a worried parent checks their teenager's curfew. I've ventured onto the beaches and deserted Goa roads in the middle of the night, heart pounding at the thought of nocturnal, four-legged friends joining me. And, believe it or not, I've even taken the driver's seat, always ensuring I stayed no less than 10 meters away from the nearest vehicle or person.

But here's the irony: I genuinely believe I'm a risk-taker. It's almost as if my life is a sitcom, and I'm the lead character living in denial. Maybe it's because I cling to a version of myself that existed a decade or more ago, back when skinny jeans were cool. I've made some bold choices along the way, but I've never gone all-in. I've always kept one foot firmly anchored in my comfort zone, just in case I needed an express getaway.

Now, don't get me wrong; comfort zones have their perks. They're like security blankets for grown-ups, promising cozy predictability and minimal risk. But, they can also lead to complacency, turning us into slightly fancier versions of potted plants.

Now, I'm not claiming that I'll wake up tomorrow as a fearless daredevil. That's about as likely as discovering penguins dancing in my porch (What a view that would be). But every day, I'm learning to regain a bit of control over my fears, rather than letting them run the show.

It's all about valuing courage over fear and embracing the uncharted terrain over the well-worn path. We all started out as adventurers; I can't recall a single baby saying, "Hold my milk, I'm being too reckless." But as we grow, life nudges us to be cautious, to fear the unknown, and to color within the lines, which in all probability will give decent predictable outputs/results.

But, are we really aiming for mediocrity? There are phases in life where caution is indeed necessary, especially after a major emotional or financial set-back. It's like a timeout for self-preservation, and that's perfectly fine. However, some of us get trapped in this zone, fearing that rocking the boat might lead to capsizing.

So, let's rewind a bit. Picture me a teenager, pen in hand, scribbling furiously about love, life, and everything in between. My dad, my greatest supporter, beaming with pride as he encouraged me to spill my heart onto the page. It was a time when I wasn't afraid to be vulnerable, to share my experiences, and to let my true self shine through words.

But as life rolled on, so did my doubts. The stories and poems faded into the background, buried beneath layers of apprehension and self-criticism. I became my own harshest critic, convinced that my words were no longer worth reading, that my experiences weren't worth sharing.

And then there was the fear. Oh, the fear. The fear of being judged by those who had seen me in a different light. The fear that my authenticity would somehow tarnish the carefully cultivated image of the professional I had become. It's funny how we build these shields around ourselves, protecting our perceived flaws from the world, all the while missing out on the magic that comes from being truly genuine.

We're all human. We all have fears, doubts, and moments of vulnerability. And maybe, just maybe, it's time to step out of our comfort zones, even if it means revealing a side of ourselves we've kept hidden.

Comfort zones are like cozy little caves where we hide our true selves, convinced that it's safer in the shadows. But courage, courage is like a spotlight that guides us out of the darkness and into the spotlight of authenticity. It's a beacon that says, "It's okay to share your experiences, your stories, your truth." Courage offers the freedom to explore the cosmic circus beyond, taking us to places we never even knew existed. So, how about we take a merry stroll outside our comfort zone every other day? Attend a taekwondo session with kids a quarter our age (just be prepared for some acrobatics), try a new mode of transportation to work (walk the new cycling/jogging path, anyone?), travel with a group (even if you love your company the best), or shockingly, express our feelings to our loved ones, even if it's not our usual style. Perhaps it's these playful steps outside our comfort zones that will lead to personal growth and the discovery of hidden talents.

So, as we navigate our daily lives, let's not just laugh at our fears, but let's also embrace our passions and vulnerabilities. Let's value courage over apprehension and dare to share our authentic selves with the world. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, the stories we've kept hidden will inspire, resonate, or even make someone's day a little brighter.

Because, after all, it's in those authentic moments that we truly connect with others, and it's through our shared stories that we find the humor, the heart, and the humanity that binds us all together.

While this piece may not directly pertain to startups or entrepreneurship, if there's one prevailing emotion in the entrepreneurial journey, it's undoubtedly courage. Hopefully, I'll gather and share stories (with permissions, of course) from friends, colleagues, and entrepreneurs who have exhibited remarkable courage during the most critical moments.

Go go...make that list of 10 crazy things you would do this month!