Reframing Fear As A Secret Weapon- Managing Fear In Volatile Events
By Shawn Lebrock
Published Oct. 31, 2024, 3:30p.m. ET
Imagine if fear could be your ally—a driving force pushing you to evolve, rather than something to dread. What if fear wasn’t the enemy we’ve always believed it to be but a sign of progress, nudging us toward a stronger version of ourselves?
"Fear isn’t the enemy; it’s energy."
To harness this energy, we need a mindset shift—a willingness to see fear not as an obstacle, but as a signal to step forward, a practice in courage. Consistently leaning into fear begins to change how we experience it, reshaping our initial instinct to retreat into a more productive response. Here’s how you can start reimagining your relationship with fear, transforming it into an asset.
Start Small: Everyday Acts of Courage
It doesn’t require a dramatic leap; small, intentional actions are enough to change your perception. Every time you take an uncomfortable step forward, you’re training yourself to respond differently to fear. Here are some ideas to help you begin:
Engage in conversation with a stranger; this simple action can help you become more comfortable in new situations.
Speak up in a meeting. Instead of holding back, share your perspective.
Politely send back food that isn’t right, rather than simply accepting it.
These moments may seem minor, but each one is a powerful way to practice stepping into discomfort. As you take these small, courageous steps, you start conditioning your mind to move toward fear rather than away from it. With time, this practice turns into a habit, preparing you for larger challenges down the road.
Courage Is a Muscle
Like any skill, courage improves with practice. The more you strengthen it, the more familiar it becomes, making it easier to tap into during difficult moments. When larger obstacles arise, you’re not starting from scratch; you’ve built a foundation of courage that makes these challenges more manageable.
Fear won’t disappear, but each small step forward builds confidence. Over time, you’ll notice a shift—fear becomes fuel, a tool you can use to overcome insecurity and hesitation.
Those Who Manage Their Fear, Manage to Fight
After studying fear, conflict and violence for 30 years, I’ve seen that managing fear is crucial to self-defense and resilience. Practicing courage is essential to harnessing fear instead of letting it dominate you. Fear is a universal experience—everyone feels it—but what separates those who thrive under pressure is their ability to channel it effectively. They don’t suppress or ignore their fear; they accept it, using it as a catalyst to keep moving forward, protecting their self-esteem, confidence, and dignity.
Everyday Opportunities to Build Courage
Each day, you’ll encounter small challenges: an uncomfortable conversation, a difficult choice, a new opportunity. It’s easy to brush these off as inconsequential, but what if they were actually opportunities to practice courage?
To turn fear into a strength, train yourself to see that initial fear spike as a signal to act. This mental conditioning, much like physical fitness, requires consistent effort. When you choose to face your insecurities, doubts, or fears, you’re building courage—one choice at a time.
You Can Never Be Brave If You’re Not Afraid
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward in its presence. Remember: Those Who Manage Their Fear, Manage to Fight. Fear can become a powerful ally if you learn to channel it constructively. So the next time fear taps you on the shoulder, embrace it as a call to action. With each step forward, you’re not just facing fear—you’re transforming it into the strength you need to live more boldly.
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