No Risk, No Reward?
In the realm of personal and professional growth, there’s a common denominator among those who excel: they confront their fears. It’s not just about risk-taking; it’s about intelligent risk-taking. Doing that one thing that scares you isn’t a whimsical dare; it’s a strategic move.
Let’s break it down. Fear, fundamentally, is a survival mechanism. It’s there to keep you safe. But in the modern context, more often than not, it’s a barrier to your potential. It’s not about wrestling lions anymore; it’s about wrestling with your own limitations, societal expectations, or the fear of failure.
Now, doing something that scares you doesn’t mean jumping out of a plane without a parachute. It’s about calculated risks. It’s about pushing your boundaries in a way that can bring substantial rewards. Whether it’s public speaking, starting a new venture, or pivoting your career, these are the moments where growth happens.
This concept ties deeply into the notion of disruption. In business, as in life, the biggest successes often come from those willing to disrupt the status quo. And what is disruption if not stepping into the unknown, the uncomfortable, the scary? Look at any successful entrepreneur, and you’ll see a history of taking on challenges that others might shy away from.
But let’s be clear: doing what scares you is not a one-time event. It’s a mindset. It’s about continually pushing yourself to expand your horizons. The first step is always the hardest. It’s uncomfortable. It’s supposed to be. Comfort is the enemy of progress.
There’s also a misunderstood aspect of fear: it’s not just about conquering it; it’s about understanding it. What are you afraid of, really? Failure? Embarrassment? Loss? Drill down to the root of your fear, because that’s where you’ll find insight into what truly matters to you.
And yes, failure is a possibility. But here’s the thing about failure — it’s a fantastic teacher. You’ll learn more from your failures than your successes. Embrace them. The path to success is littered with failures, and those who are willing to walk it are the ones who emerge stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
In closing, doing that one thing that scares you is about embracing discomfort as a tool for growth. It’s about recognizing that the path to extraordinary achievement is often through extraordinary challenges. Don’t shy away from these moments; lean into them. Because on the other side of fear is a version of yourself that’s more capable, more confident, and more equipped to tackle whatever comes your way.
Remember, in a world that’s changing rapidly, the greatest risk is taking no risks at all.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
