Let your fear be your compass
Posted on May 20, 2022 by Dominic Junghaenel, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Fear is an expression of an unmet need or desire. If you feel fear, you are on the verge breaking through a barrier. Follow your fear!
There are many things that I’m afraid of. Fear has been a constant companion in my life.
When I was younger, I was being treated for generalized anxiety disorder. Even though it’s gotten much better as I have gotten older, I still struggle with fear in different forms.
While I could fill a book with what I’ve learnt about fear and how to deal with it, what I want to share is simply this: Fear is not a negative emotion.
Fear is a state of mental and physical excitation that generates enormous energy. It’s the energy that is necessary to initiate change, growth and healing. If you feel fear, you are on the verge of breaking through a barrier.
Your fear is your compass. It is an expression of an unmet need or desire; if you’re afraid of being alone, for example, this is an expression of your natural need for companionship. That’s why running from your fears only makes things worse because it takes you further away from what is important to you.
Courage doesn’t mean to be fearless. It means to act despite your fears. When I decided to start my own business, I was 40 years old and had a family with two small kids to take care of. I was also in the process of relocating to my home country after living overseas for more than 10 years. Needless to say, with so much change going on in my life, I was overwhelmed by fears: fear of change, fear of failure, fear of what others may think of my decision, fear of rejection, and so on.
Letting my fear be my compass has helped me to keep moving forward and successfully start my new career. It’s not always easy and I still struggle a lot. But as paradoxically as it may sound, as long as I feel fear, I know I’m moving in the right direction.
What is your experience with fear? Do you have dreams or goals that you are not pursuing because you’re afraid? I’d love to know. Book a call with me and let’s discuss how you can overcome your fears and start working towards your goals.
