1st July 2024

This week I want to talk to you about how even fear can motivate you sometimes, although this may seem a bit counterintuitive to you at first! I want to stress to you also the importance of facing fears and using them as a catalyst for your growth and development.
Have you ever noticed how your fear can sometimes be a powerful motivator? A feeling of fear has a funny way of lighting a fire under us and pushing us to take action or make changes in our lives sometimes, without us realising it.
Fear can come in many forms – the fear of failure, the fear of disappointing yourself or others, the fear of missing out, the fear of the unknown – the list goes on. Whatever the source may be, fear has this unconscious way of always spurring us into action, or improving ourselves.
For some, fear of failure is a strong motivator to work harder and push themselves beyond limits. The fear of disappointing ourselves or others also pushes us to be better friends, partners, or colleagues. Additionally, fear of the unknown can drive us to seek answers or prepare for our future.
Also, the fear of missing out (or ‘FOMO’, as it is now known) can motivate us to try new things, take more risks, or step out of our comfort zones sometimes. Here are some real examples of where fear can be someone’s motivation:
- A student who is afraid of failing a test is motivated to study harder, or seek help, in order to improve their mark on an assessment, or their grade in an exam.
- Someone who is afraid of disappointing family may be motivated to work harder at their job, in order to provide for their loved ones.
- Someone who is afraid of missing out on future experiences or opportunities may be motivated to travel, try new activities, or to take on new challenges.
Of course, fear should not be your only motivator in life, but you cannot deny that it has its place and can be the push you need to take action, make positive change, innovate, or progress. But remember also the negative impacts of fear, such as anxiety, stress, or avoidance.
So the next time you feel afraid, instead of letting it paralyse you, consider using it as a a driving force and source of motivation. If you harness fear, you can often channel it into something productive and positive and you may be surprised at what you can achieve!




