Thread: How to Use Fear to Your Advantage

Last week I had coffee with a friend of mine. She asked me what I was up to and I told her that I was still running my marketing agency, working on launching a software startup and planning a trip around Europe. She said, “I admire how fearless you are.” I started laughing and told her that I actually feel fear every day.
I do so many new, untested, scary things. But do you know what really scares the hell out of me? The thought of one day laying on my deathbed regretting not having lived my life to its fullest. The thought of not having enough time left to change that. The thought of spending my whole life doing something I hate just because “it’s safe”. What’s safe these days anyway?
Those fears are so big and powerful that make smaller fears (like starting a new business) look not so risky at all. You can use fear to your advantage.
I realize that most people are extremely risk-averse and what I’m saying won’t make any difference. They’re so afraid of losing that they don’t even play the game. But I also know that there’s a small percentage of people who need to hear this to take control of their lives. I hope you’re one of them.

Hi - as someone who has spent most of my life battling anxiety, I think that's great advice. I can't believe what I'm doing now - starting a new career in internet marketing in my 50s - it is scary, but I'm having a ball!

We live in fear everyday but it is not the fear itself but how we handle in dealing with it.

I do not fear..............

I'm actually having fear in a reverse point now of going from my own business to taking a "safer" career path. The reason for this is just a slow economy and not enough customers. I'm holding out as long as I can. My fear is partially about starting over but mostly it's the fear you referred to in that I for one don't like the idea of having to do something I'm probably going to dislike and the other is wondering if I'm ever making the right career choice. It's a somewhat scary proposition, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. I wish that I could magically start to turn this around but many avenues and money have been spent in the attempt to keep it moving along. We'll see. Good luck with your endeavors though.

This is a good question. I'm having a fear everyday. I actually can't make a decision on my own, I still need to consult my friends and ask for their advices.