From Fear to Fuel: Turning Fear into Career Confidence

Have you ever hesitated to speak up in a meeting because you felt your ideas weren't worth sharing?

What about a subtle hesitation to take on new challenges or self-sabotage during moments when you need courage?

Although these moments might seem insignificant at the time, if left unchecked, they can eventually impede your career progression.

But what if you could turn this fear into fuel?

What if you could use your fear to overcome those obstacles on your path to future growth and success?

How would the outcome be different?

Would you be in a better place today?

For this first "Inverting Your Mindset" of 2024, I'll share my best advice on transforming fear into fuel for your career journey.

Read Time: 3 min. Ready? Let's Go!

To Fear is to be Human

First, it's important to understand that our fears are primal and stem from a complex mix of past experiences, societal pressures, and personal expectations.

I think we can all agree - fear is part of the human experience.

And some amount of fear is a good thing. Fear keeps us sharp and is always on the lookout, like an overprotective parent.

The problems start when we let fear control our every action and decision. If we let our fear decide, we'll never do anything outside our comfort zones.

Our brains are wired for us to survive, not necessarily to grow, thrive, and reach our potential in modern society.

So, while some fear is good, too much or an unwillingness to challenge its authenticity and relevance is not so good.

But here's where it gets interesting: When you start to unpack the reasons behind your fear, you gain power over it and control it.

And when you get it under your command, you'll have a newfound confidence and an ability to take on challenges with a positive outlook.

My Real-World Experience

During my early training flights in the F-16, I accidentally pulled more G's than the jet allowed, broke through the minimum altitude, and failed to shoot when I was supposed to.

It can be difficult to deal with mistakes like this, ESPECIALLY within the fighter pilot community. At the time, the older, more experienced pilots seemed like they had it all together and made things I was struggling with look easy.

Those flights did wonders for my confidence and impostor syndrome .

But I eventually realized that performing at a high level didn’t mean I wouldn’t screw up. When fighter pilots are learning tactics, they fail constantly - and it happens to everyone.

Years later, I would be that older, more experienced pilot, and I still made mistakes and was always learning new things. The challenges had just evolved with my responsibility level.

When you start viewing each failure not as a defeat but as a chance to learn and grow, you change the narrative of your professional journey.

If you can learn how to embrace each setback as a stepping stone, you can positively transform your career trajectory.

When you recognize that unsettling feeling that makes you uncomfortable as you consider taking on a new challenge, you can use it as a guide to direct you toward things that will help push you and keep you growing.

Build Confidence Through Action

As we dive into transforming fear into fuel for career growth, it's important to have a few practical strategies at our disposal.

And these aren't just theoretical concepts. These are the lessons I learned as a fighter and Thunderbird pilot and even now as an entrepreneur.

I'll break down these strategies into three action steps, each designed to build confidence and turn fear into a catalyst for positive change in your life.

1. Identify and Take Small Steps

Choose actions that are simple and can be done quickly.

Begin by identifying a key goal or 'draw' that you've been hesitant to pursue.

List at least three small, achievable actions you can take right now to start moving towards this goal.

This approach helps overcome the paralysis that fear can induce, making the goal more attainable.

2. Building the Courage Muscle

It's crucial to have the courage to start something even when you feel unprepared.

So, focus on a specific goal and start moving towards it. Pick something that feels challenging but doable.

Despite the fear, this process of moving forward transforms your mindset and builds the momentum needed to overcome even bigger obstacles.

3. Specific Visualization (a.k.a Chair Flying)

Select a specific part of your goal that you find challenging. What part of it has you awake in the middle of the night stressing?

Visualize this scenario in great detail, imagining yourself handling it with confidence, preparedness, and control.

Engage all your senses in this mental rehearsal.

What will you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste?

What words will you speak and how will you use your body?

This visualization technique helps solidify your confidence and prepares you mentally to face the situation, which will reduce your fear and anxiety.

Bringing it Home

Overcoming the fear of failure is a journey, not a sprint.

Taking deliberate, actionable steps toward conquering your fears can be a driving force for your success.

By identifying small, achievable goals, embracing the courage to start despite uncertainties, and practicing specific visualization, you're not just overcoming fear - you're harnessing it.

Embrace these strategies, and watch your career trajectory and personal growth reach new heights.

Here's to a courageous and fulfilling 2024!

Your Wingman,

Did You Miss It? My FREE email mini-course, "Taming Your Inner Critic," is here!

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I'm offering the course for a limited time, and it's totally free, so sign up now and start your journey to self-empowerment!

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