Is fear holding you back? Here’s how to stop it.
Stephanie Brown
Marketing Career Coach ????♀?Helping ambitious Marketers and Creatives identify their career purpose and land their next perfect role faster ?? Ex-Nike & Apple ? Apply to join the Creative Career Level Up ?? Link below
Have you ever felt that gut-wrenching, heart-racing fear when you’re about to take a big leap??
Maybe it's starting a new job, moving to a new city, or chasing a big dream....
I remember that feeling.
The Big Move to London
When I was 23, I packed my bags and moved from New Zealand to London with exactly £3,000 in my bank account (the visa requirement) and zero UK work experience.?
I had no job lined up, no contacts, and no idea what I was doing. But I had a plan. I wanted to build my career in the marketing world - working for big, iconic brands that were famous all over the world.
Of course, it wasn’t smooth sailing. My first job in London was so far away (Zone 5 ??) and the commute took over an hour each way.
Then, just as I was settling in, I got fired - from a job I didn’t even like. If you’ve ever been fired, you know that feeling of panic, self-doubt, and complete uncertainty. It was terrifying.
The Fear of the Unknown
I didn’t let fear stop me. I quickly found a new job working for a big agency on a global account. It felt like a step closer to my dream job.?
But, just three months in, I left. Why? Because the job was awful. Honestly, if I hadn't left, they would have fired me too.
At that point, fear was creeping in again. I wasn’t sure what would come next, and I started questioning myself. Could I really make it? Was I cut out for this??
But then, a twist of fate. I landed an interview with Nike - and I got the job after just one interview!
Facing the Fear Again
Even though I was ecstatic, another fear emerged. Was I good enough to work at Nike??
Walking into that office on my first day felt like stepping into a room full of rock stars. It was intimidating. I wasn’t sure if I belonged.?
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But I kept reminding myself that fear was just a signal. A signal that I was growing.
Fear as a Trigger
Looking back, I can see that every time I was afraid, I was moving closer to the person I wanted to become. Fear has been a constant companion in my career - from the moment I arrived in London to the day I walked into Nike.?
But here’s the thing: every time I felt that fear, I moved forward despite it. Fear wasn’t something to run from; it was something to lean into.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Fear is not a wall, it’s a doorway.?
It’s a trigger to tell you that growth is happening, that success is on the other side. The only way to beat fear is to face it head-on, push through it, and keep moving forward.
Your Next Step
Whatever you’re facing right now, remember this: Fear is a sign you’re about to make big strides and have big growth. Don’t let it hold you back. Use it to fuel you.?
Because the best things in life are on the other side of our fear.
If finding your Dream Job is your goal for 2025, the Creative Career Level Up might be the right solution for you.
Check out more details, including testimonials, on our website here
Or use the link below to schedule a chat about whether the programme is right for you.
—— To your next perfect role (whatever it may be!)
Steph
Seerocacle 333
1 个月Yes, a misunderstanding or interpretation of what I felt, while going through it, as it were.??
Fine Art Sculptor | Celebrating The Remarkable Achievements Of Exceptional Humans
1 个月Feel the fear and do it anyway! This is a fantastic post Stephanie, thank you for this insight!
1 LinkedIn strategy involving everyone at the company | All our knowledge available for Free @ academy.wildbos.com | Co-Founder
1 个月Starting my own company was pretty scary. But that fear pushed me to work harder and smarter. Now I actually see it as a signal that I'm moving in the right direction.
Founder at McCarthy Recruitment | Committed to giving a ?? about people.
1 个月If you're ever feeling like this in a new role, remember you got the job for a reason. They hired you because you bring something special—your unique skills, perspective, and value that no one else has. Believe in yourself!