Releasing Fear

This is a platform to share the radical pivots, risks, self-evaluations and reflections of people I admire. We dig into the moments that led the people in their lives to go, “She Did What?!” and ultimately, to their personal or professional metamorphosis.

Throughout this series we have had the opportunity to talk with dozens of impressive women at the top of their career game. Women who have reflected on their past 30-40 years of professional and personal growth to share insights, tips and tricks for continuing to evolve, celebrate challenges and reach new heights. These stories got me thinking, “What does pivoting and growth look like to women who are earlier in their career?” “How do you pivot when you are just starting out?” To help bring insight into this I was pleased to talk with Zara Adams, a young entrepreneur and fashion model.

?I started our conversation by asking Zara to share a pivotal decision she’s made that helped her launch into her career. I was surprised and impressed with the depth of insight and answer Zara shared on how a decision early on in her career not only put her on a solid path for growth but also gave her the confidence to face challenges. She shares:?

?Applying to my modeling agency was a pivotal decision. I had always been interested in pursuing fashion, but I was hesitant to take the first step because I did not want to face potential rejection. Finally, I realized that I would rather receive a “no” than never try at all. Shortly after submitting my photos, I received an email back from my current agency. They wanted to meet and begin building my book for their website! Overcoming my fear allowed me the amazing opportunity to model. I am incredibly grateful for the unique experiences, new connections, and knowledge about the business side of fashion that modeling has given me. The experience has helped me build my confidence and let go of a fear of failure.

Releasing fear and taking that bold leap is a theme that we see come up time and time again throughout this series. It reminds me of a great quote I recently heard from Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Ambassador to the US. She says, “What got you there won’t necessarily keep you there.” We need to constantly be thinking about changing, evolving and growing. Releasing fear in order to level up is a necessary tension that we all need to work through in order to make it to the next step. I asked Zara if she has a process she uses to take stock of where she is and what fear she needs to release in order to accomplish her goals.?

At the beginning of each year, I create a vision board. I first reflect on my actions in the past year, taking time to recognize my accomplishments and realize areas that still need improvement. I then search for pictures that depict my goals for the upcoming year. My artistic side loves cutting and layering pieces to create a collage. My goals for this year include prioritizing my health and focusing on sustainable fashion. On my 2022 Vision Board, I included photos of people working out, journaling, and sewing. Viewing the board helps me keep my aspirations in mind each day. Since the start of January, I have been going to the gym regularly, journaling every night, and redesigning and creating clothing to avoid fast fashion.

Vision boarding is something I’ve heard so much about and want to try. I know within our She Did What?! community many women leverage this tool to help visualize and stay focused on their goals. One thing I admire about Zara’s 2022 goals is her commitment to sustainable fashion. When you are just starting to build a career it can be a challenge to stay true to your passions and values. I admire that this is front and center for Zara as she considers what brand she will and won’t work with. Impressed by Zara’s focus and determination I asked her to share what she considers to be her north star throughout her reinvention and growth process. Not only did she share this, but she also shares her 5 tips for radical self-evaluation.

My friends and family are my north star. They give straightforward, honest advice and encourage me to constantly challenge myself. I can always rely on sitting down with them to chat with my parents or face-timing a friend to share ideas and gain clarity on decisions. They have provided me invaluable advice, guidance, and oftentimes just a listening ear to hear the situation. I always appreciate how after offering their input, they then step back to allow me to make my own decision. It allows me to gain independence and improve my confidence in myself. When I was hesitant to apply to modeling agencies, my mom encouraged me to push past my fear of rejection. Her support helped me find the courage to start my modeling journey.

Radical self-evaluation is at the core of my industry. As a model, you are constantly being evaluated based on a number of criteria. What I appreciate about self reflection is that it turns the focus to an internal evaluation, analyzing what really matters most in your heart and mind.??

Zara’s 6 tips for radical self-evaluation:

1. Be patient with yourself. Growth does not come in a day.
2. Focus on your current situation just as much as the future.
3. Surround yourself with friends and mentors who will be honest with you and support you along the way.?
4. Write it out. Journal at the beginning or end of each day, or both.
5. Embrace failure, it is evidence that you are moving forward.?
6. When thinking of making a foundational change, instead of solely thinking of what could go wrong, also imagine what could go right.

Thank you Zara for sharing your reflections and insights with our community. You have reminded us of the importance of releasing fear in order to continue to grow. We appreciate your candid and insightful reflections that resonate with our entire community.?

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