Why it’s useless to fear what you don’t know
SHAKING THE TREE #67
Want to know how to make fear your bitch?
Read on.
But first, a wee history.
I’ve learned the hard way that the least productive of all human endeavours is that of fear and worry.
Few threads in life are as paralyzing and as universal as the worrying fear of the unknown.
I think it's a sentiment that lives in all of us; sometimes it’s dormant, at other times it feels like a relentless force that stands solidly between us and our goals and plans.
The fear of the unknown often manifests when we're confronted with situations, challenges, or opportunities the outcomes of which remain shrouded in a veil of uncertainty.
This is the kind of fear that can paralyze us if we let it.
It’s the kind of fear that can keep us trapped in our respective comfort zones; it’s the kind of fear that can prevent us from making changes and taking even the tiniest or boldest of steps towards things as small as tiny changes to the big things that spur us toward astonishing personal and professional growth.
And yet, the irony lies in the fact that we often fear something we don't yet understand, something that hasn't materialized or taken shape.
Something that hasn’t happened and that probably won’t happen.
Ever.
And yet, it controls us. Or, it can, if we let it.
And you know what?
This is where the pointlessness of fear and worry become evident.
How can we be afraid of an outcome that we know nothing about?
The answer is simple; we shouldn't be.
If you take only one action point from this essay, let it be this: the key to unlocking our full potential and finding success in the uncharted territories of life lies not in fearing the unknown but in embracing it.
So, let’s look at ways to conquer the pointlessness of being afraid of something whose outcome remains a mystery.
Let’s adopt a growth mindset, let’s reframe our perspective, and let’s take practical steps to help us face down the unknown with the inner confidence and resilience we know that’s inside us.
I get it: the fear of the unknown is a shared human experience, but it's a fear that can be tamed and transformed into a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development. This fear can be conquered. It can be tamed.
You can make fear your bitch.
Here’s how:
Approach the unknown with a growth mindset. Instead of fearing it, see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop new skills. Every challenge or unknown situation can be a stepping stone towards personal growth.
Shift your perspective from fear to excitement. Recognize that the unknown holds the potential for positive surprises and new experiences. Embrace the thrill of discovering something new and uncharted.
Reflect on times in your life when you faced the unknown and succeeded. These past experiences can serve as a reminder of your resilience and ability to adapt to new situations.
Instead of dwelling on negative possibilities, visualize a positive outcome. Use the power of visualization to boost your confidence and reduce anxiety about the unknown.
Divide the unknown into smaller, manageable parts. By breaking a big challenge into smaller, more understandable tasks, you can approach it one step at a time, reducing the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty.
Reach out to mentors, experts, or supportive friends. People who can provide guidance and share their experiences are your best defense against worry and fear. Gaining knowledge and insights from others can help demystify the unknown.
Remind yourself of your resilience and adaptability. Human beings have a remarkable ability to overcome challenges and adapt to new situations. Trust in your capacity to handle the unknown.
Action is a powerful antidote to fear. Taking the first step, even if it's a small one, can build momentum and reduce the fear of the unknown. Progress and experience often dispel uncertainty.
Practice being mindful. Mindfulness techniques can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future. It can also help you recognize that fear is just a thought, not a concrete reality.
Let failure teach you memorable lessons. Understand that even if the outcome isn't as expected, it's an opportunity to learn and grow. Failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards future success.
Although being afraid of the unknown is a natural human response, fear doesn't have to paralyze you.
By adopting a growth mindset, by reframing your perspective, and by taking practical steps to deal with the uncertainty in your life, you can face the unknown with confidence and resilience.
Remember that the journey of life is filled with uncertainty, and it's in those uncharted territories that you often find your greatest achievements.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Bookbinding lessons for business