The Fear of Facing Fear: The Power of Starting

What is the fear of starting something new? Anxiety? Self-doubt? Maybe a fear of failure? How does it manifest in different aspects of life?

Well, for me, the fear of starting this journey was difficult to define at first, I didn't want to look at it, I didn't want to acknowledge it, I just didn't want it around. But that's not how fear works. Ignoring it is not the same as pushing through despite it. I spent nearly a year wondering when it would go away. Well, here I am, stepping into it, and it still hasn't gone away.

Being able to name what the fear is can be a helpful step in overcoming it. A heavy shadow hovering over us is more daunting than the fear of judgement. That doesn't mean the fear is gone, but now we know what that looming shadow of doom is, and we know it's not actually doom at all.

Knowing how it shows up can also be used to walk through. When we are able to point at a thought or an action and tie it back to this fear, we can unravel the twists in our psyche and stand up a little straighter. We can tell ourselves that this is not us, this is fear, and we do not bow to fear, for it has no power over us.

Imagine if you never did anything if there was even a tiny amount of fear. You probably wouldn't have tried most things. So then, what changed? Why could you do those things, but won't do other things? What are those personal, cultural, or societal reasons and expectations that are stopping you?

We don't grow if we avoid the conflict of challenge, and fear is just another challenge. That's not to say fear doesn't have a place. If you are standing at the opening of a bear den, you rightfully have fear of entering. But, for my example, starting a business is nothing like walking into a cave full of bears. Psychologically it may feel like that, but realistically I am not about to be charged at by several angry bears. Overcoming these challenges pushes our mind and literally rewrites how our brain works. The more we face something we are afraid of, the more our brain learns not to be afraid. This mentally strengthens us, helps us emotionally regulate, and can even help us physically, because fear and stress can destroy us from the inside out, because our hormones, epinephrine; norepinephrine; and cortisol; have dramatic effects when used long-term.

It's important to know how these fears manifest, because then we can really see the effects it is having on us. It's easy to tell when we are drunk or hungry, because the effects are very apparent. Fear is the same way, but fear effects us different based on what the fear is and what it's attached to. The fear of asking out a girl is going to be very different compared to the fear of spiders. If we do not know what we are feeling, there is a higher chance we won't move. Maybe we won't even recognise that there is fear to begin with. Is there procrastination? Self-sabotage? Constant doubt? Is it more physical indicators, like restlessness, agitation, maybe exhaustion? Perhaps it is more emotion with indicators such as depression, isolation, or anger. Knowing what it is, where it's coming from, and how it is showing up can help us overcome whatever is holding us down.

Breaking it down into smaller steps, having a plan to deal with the "something new" and the fears that come along with that, and knowing how to recognise our needs during this process are important parts of growing while walking through. The growth is worth it.

God is always there. He knows the plans he has for you. For all of us. He takes what the enemy meant for evil and uses it for good. He will not let you down, and He will always look out for you. These fears are not stronger than our Father.

So what is the fear of starting something new? It is whatever it needs to be. It can be so many things. Do not let it stop you from living the life you were destined by design to live. There is so much out there for all of us, all we need to do is reach out and grab it.

What is one thing you've been avoiding out of fear? Take one small step today to confront it.