Fear and career growth don’t often sound like a winning combination, but they absolutely are. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure whether to take a risk at work, you’re not alone. Here’s how to turn that anxiety into action.
Are You Unapologetically Afraid? You Should Be…
Ever notice the schizophrenic messages we’re told on a regular basis?
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“If you are not a little nervous, you’re not alive!” versus “Be careful.”
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“Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone!” versus “Slow down.”
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“Take a chance, you only live once!” versus “Don’t make a mistake!”
So which is it?
Should You Play It Safe or Take a Risk?
Are we supposed to play it slow, safe, and predictable, or push it to the edge? Should your belly be full of confidence or butterflies?
What about you?
When was the last time you let it all hang out?
More importantly, when was the last time you deliberately avoided the anxiety and played it safe?
The Push and Pull of Growth
As an organizational psychologist, I coach executives on a daily basis. In doing so, I see firsthand the struggle between the desire to push, change, and risk, and the inner voice saying you should maintain, protect, and ensure.
The yin-yang feelings make sense if you step back and look from a higher perspective.
You have a lot to lose. At some point in your career, you’re likely dealing with mortgage payments, at least two car payments, tuition bills, and a need to save more aggressively. That pulls us toward “play it safe and follow the rules.”
Alternatively, you get tired of the same ol’ routine. You feel stuck. You crave something new and challenging but aren’t sure where to go or what to do about it. The life that once felt comfortable and content now feels claustrophobic or dull. You want something fresh, something that makes you feel alive.
These “pushes” and “pulls” are common and understandable. Frankly, it’s often the same person who is frustrated with their job or life, yet doesn’t want to rock the boat, make a big change, or risk failure. That internal turmoil can make you feel crazy.
Sick of the confusion? Motivated to mix it up a bit? Keep reading…
The Real Issue with Fear
All too often, the experience of fear or anxiety gets misinterpreted as self-doubt or inability.
No wonder we avoid feeling afraid. It feels like a sign we’re not qualified.
But what’s actually needed is a separation between the feeling of fear and the perception of ability. These should be apples and oranges.
For example, being nervous before a speech is totally normal. But if you interpret the nerves as a sign you’re bad at speaking, you’ll avoid it.
Same goes for job changes. If you’re nervous about applying for a new position and take that anxiety to mean you’re not worthy, you’ll stay stuck.
The Goal of Reframing Fear
The goal is to separate anxiety from perceived ability. Doing so will help accomplish several key things:
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Find the positive side of fear, the pioneer side, the part that grows through new experiences.
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Move to the edge of your comfort zone with anticipation, not dread.
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Build belief in your ability to succeed, even in discomfort.
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Begin to see fear as just another emotion, not something to avoid. Ideally, you’ll start to associate fear as the precursor to growth.
Your Challenge: Make Fear Useful
The next time you experience fear or anxiety, don’t retreat. Embrace it. Recognize it as a natural emotion when doing something new.
At the same time, remind yourself of the skills and experiences you already have. You’ve been through tough things before. You’re not starting from zero.
You won’t become best friends with fear overnight. Start small. Get uncomfortable. Be unapologetically afraid.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re navigating fear and career growth right now, you’re not alone. Explore our products and services to see how we can help you lead boldly, even when things feel uncertain.
