Fear: The disguised Gatekeeper of Growth and Opportunities

Whenever there is a change, there is fear. I am talking specifically about the fear that shows up when you try to do something innovative, creative, inventive. This is not the fear necessary for our survival - such as ensuring we don't jump out from heights or do something irrational. Instead, this is the fear that shows up when we are shifting our realities and transforming our lives or organizations.

Fear can either paralyze or be put to good use. First step is being aware of it and then using it at as a navigator. Fear confirms you are on the right path. It often acts as the door beyond which lie opportunities, expansion and growth.

The discomfort of the unknown and uncertain is the place where magic happens. If you are facing uncertainties, fear of unknown on your path to a new future, then you are evolving and growing. Rest assured fear will be your constant companion when you do the work of shifting realities. Fear occupies the space between the shifting realities and its the devil that you must pay your dues to as you move forward with courage. You see courage has a bigger role to play and shines out brighter in the light of fear. If there is no fear, you don't have to seek courage to do your part.

You can be assured that fear is a sign showing you that you are on the right track, pushing past your limiting beliefs and facing the right direction. When faced with fear - don't ignore or pretend that its not there. Its about accepting it and moving along with it.

This is where I want to share idea of writing a letter to fear, as Elizabeth Gilbert author of Eat, Pray & Love wrote in her book - Big Magic. Where she was talking about creativity but this concept applies to any new project, journey or transformation you undertake as a person or a leader of an organization. I often refer to it and its a unique way of putting fear to rest and it goes like this:

Dearest Fear,

Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you'll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I am about to do anything interesting - and may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There's plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourselft at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are the part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still- your suggestions will never ever be followed. You are allowed to have a seat, and you are allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You are not allowed to touch the road maps, you are not allowed to suggest detours; you are not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude you're are not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive."

Isn't this inspiring? I love her words - and i invite you to write your own letter to fear. Whether its about working on a new innovative project, starting your own business, changing careers or even leading your team in a new inventive way, this exercise can be powerful. Your journey can be unique, it can even be the strategic or digital transformation of your company. But when faced with fear as you will do, use this an effective tool to gain perspective, take control and lead with courage.

More tools to ease your fears

1. Journal:

• What idea/plan/objective/initiative/journey lights up my heart?
• What resistance or fear stops me from pursuing this objective/dream?
• What would I do, if I wasn't afraid?

2. Reflect:

From all the answers you receive, pick one and contemplate how would you feel you can actually do it. What is holding you back right now? Are you willing to hang on to it at the expense what you can achieve, invent, create, innovate? what obstacles will you have to move through to achieve this?

As you work through this you will feel more in control and ready to take your journey to the next level.

If you have stayed with me this far, I invite you to share your views/thoughts/experiences in the comments. Let's support each other in navigating fear on our paths to success. I wish you all the very best!