Run Towards the Things That Scare You

Growth and comfort rarely go hand in hand. Whether you’re navigating your way up the corporate ladder or embarking on a new business venture, it’s often the things that scare us the most that are the very keys to unlocking our potential. In professional development, learning to embrace discomfort and fear can propel us to new heights.

This article explores why running towards the things that scare you is essential for professional growth and how you can channel that fear into success.

Why Fear Is a Signpost for Growth

Fear often signals the unknown, the uncertain, or the challenging. In our professional lives, it manifests as the dread of failure, the worry about rejection, or the fear of being unprepared. However, that fear is also an indication that you’re standing at the threshold of something important. It shows that you’re pushing beyond the boundaries of what’s familiar.

In essence, when something scares you, it’s a sign that you’re standing at the edge of your comfort zone - and that’s precisely where growth happens.

Fear of Failure: The Most Common Roadblock

One of the most paralysing fears in professional development is the fear of failure. Whether it’s taking on a high-profile project, stepping into a leadership role, or making a career pivot, the risk of failure looms large. But failure is an inevitable part of success. The most accomplished professionals didn’t reach the top without stumbles along the way. Instead of viewing failure as the end, see it as part of the learning process.

Key Takeaway: Reframe failure as feedback. Each mistake brings you closer to mastering your craft and achieving your goals.

Why You Should Chase the Challenge

Avoiding fear-inducing situations might seem like the easy way out, but by doing so, you’re limiting your potential. Running towards the challenge not only stretches your capabilities but also strengthens your resilience. Challenges test your problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability - key competencies in any career. Embrace these moments as opportunities to prove to yourself what you’re truly capable of.

Example: Consider someone afraid of public speaking. Instead of avoiding presentations, they volunteer to speak at every opportunity. Over time, they not only overcome the fear but also develop strong communication skills, positioning themselves as a leader in their field.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Fear often stems from a feeling of inadequacy - otherwise known as imposter syndrome. Many professionals, no matter how successful, grapple with the thought that they don’t belong or aren’t good enough. The truth is, stepping into new roles, accepting larger responsibilities, and exploring unfamiliar territories will always come with moments of doubt.

The key is to recognise these thoughts for what they are: just that - thoughts. They don’t reflect reality, and they certainly don’t define your worth.

Action Plan: Acknowledge the fear, but act anyway. You wouldn’t have been given opportunities if others didn’t believe in your abilities.

Practical Steps to Facing Fear

So, how do you begin to embrace fear and use it as a stepping stone towards professional development? Here are a few actionable steps:

Identify What Scares You: Write down the tasks, challenges, or opportunities in your professional life that cause you anxiety. Be specific.

Set a Goal: For each fear, set a small, achievable goal. For example, if you’re afraid of networking, commit to attending one event a month and speaking to at least three new people.

Take Incremental Steps: Fear can be paralysing when you try to tackle it all at once. Break down larger fears into smaller, manageable actions.

Celebrate Progress: Each time you face a fear - no matter how small the victory - take a moment to acknowledge your bravery. Building confidence is key to continuous professional growth.

Seek Support: Whether through a mentor, coach, or supportive peer, having someone in your corner can make it easier to face your fears. They can offer perspective, guidance, and encouragement.

Conclusion: Embrace the Fear

Fear isn’t the enemy. In fact, it can be one of your greatest allies in professional development. When you run towards the things that scare you, you begin to unlock doors to opportunities, learning, and growth that you never knew were there.

So, ask yourself: What are you running away from? Then, make the decision to turn around and face it head-on. Your future self will thank you for it.

Remember: The greatest personal and professional growth comes from the challenges we dare to take on, not the ones we avoid. So, run towards the fear - it’s where your next breakthrough lies.