Leaning Into Fear: A Lesson from Improv

Last month, I attended a conference with the goal of increasing my Learning and Organizational Development acumen. I anticipated walking away with some new best practices, a few good books, and some fun swag. Yet one of my most impactful experiences came in a way I did not expect.

During one of the sessions, titled “ReVisionary Thinking: The Science and Strategy of Adapting to Change” by the dynamic Courtney Clark , the speaker invited me and two others to join her for a light game of improv. And while it may not seem like a big deal to some of you, here’s a thing – improv terrifies me to the very soul. The idea of being in a vulnerable position in front of a LIVE audience WITHOUT preparation seems like crazy talk and feels scarier than facing a bear in the woods.

When Courtney pointed right at me and enthusiastically said “You, with red hair, come on up!”, I had a choice to make. Do I pretend to not speak English? Fake faint? Announce that my daily horoscope advised against being in the spotlight? Say “no, thank you” and retreat to the comfort of my seat? Every fiber of my being was screaming “danger” except for the tiny voice that whispered “C’mon, D, this could be fun”.

I attribute what happened next to the powers beyond me or a case of short-term insanity. I stood up and started walking…. towards the front of the room. And guess what? Not only did I not die or need a change of underwear from the experience, I actually had a ton of fun!

Saying “yes” to doing the big scary thing raised my tolerance level for leaning into discomfort and made me some friends along the way. Admittedly, the fear I had built up in my mind was far greater than the reality of the situation.

Big Scary Things

Pretty sure that I’m not alone in this. What scares YOU in life? Is there something you’ve been wanting to explore but haven’t yet because it sounds daunting or risky? Whether it’s public speaking, taking on a new project, or even trying a new hobby, leaning into fear can lead to some cool rewards.

What benefits of facing your fear(s) can you think of? Here are a few that came to my mind:

1. Growth: Stepping out of our comfort zones pushes us to grow personally and professionally. It expands our skills and knowledge, making us more adaptable.
2. Increased Confidence: Each time we face a fear, we collect positive data points that builds confidence. The more we do it, the more we realize that we are capable of handling challenges, boosting our self-esteem, strengthening our resilience muscles, making us better equipped to handle future challenges.
3. Improved Problem-Solving: Facing fears often involves overcoming obstacles and thinking on our feet, which enhances our problem-solving abilities and creativity.
4. Building Connections: Engaging in activities that scare us can lead to new friendships and professional connections, as shared experiences often bring people closer together.
5. Cool Story to Tell: Even IF facing our fear does not go as well as we hope, it sure makes for a good story to tell our friends, family, and co-workers. Maybe not in the moment, but at a happy hour or team meeting a week from then. ??

Embracing Learning in All Forms

Learning comes in various forms, not just through formal education and training sessions. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected experiences that teach us the most valuable lessons. Embracing these opportunities, even when they scare us, can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

Leaning into fear is not about eliminating it or engaging in harmful activities. It’s about making a decision to not let that fear control you and moving forward despite it. It’s about embracing the unknown and allowing ourselves to learn and grow in ways we never thought possible.

So, what’s that one thing you’ve been putting off because of fear? Is holding on to the fear serving you more than letting go of it?

Take a moment to identify the fear and consider taking the first step towards facing it. You might be pleasantly surprised at how much you gain in the process.

Let’s compare notes! Comment or send me a note with your fear-facing story.