This month, inside the Read to Lead Community online, our theme is FEAR. How to act despite fear, to be even more specific.

The fears we dive into today include failure, rejection, success (yes, that’s a fear too), inadequacy (aka imposter syndrome), change, judgment or criticism, discomfort or difficulty, and disappointing others.

I also recommend a book to help tackle each of these with links below (you’re not surprised, are you?).

In this episode, you’ll learn how specific fears tend to show up, the impact they can have on your life when they go unchecked, methods for tackling each, head on, and specific actions steps you can take this week to push through (Hint: baby steps, and consistent, forward progress).

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about how you can successfully push through your biggest fears. Just keep scrolling, or click the “play” button below.

Join in on our chat below

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Fear #1: Fear of Failure

How it shows up:
We avoid taking risks or setting big goals because we’re afraid of falling short.

Example:
Let’s say you’ve been dreaming about starting your own business, but you keep putting it off because you’re afraid it’ll fail. So, you stay in a job you don’t enjoy, avoiding the risk altogether.

Impact:
By letting this fear win, you miss out on growth opportunities and stay stuck in a place that doesn’t fulfill you. You never know what you’re capable of because you never take that first step.

Method to Tackle It:
Reframe failure as feedback. Instead of seeing failure as the end, look at it as valuable information that brings you closer to success.

Action Step:
Think of one area in your life where you’re holding back due to fear of failure. Now, take a small step toward that goal. Start by researching, signing up for a course, or even just talking to someone in that field. The key is to move forward.

Book Recommendation: You’ve Got This!: The Life-changing Power of Trusting Yourself by Margie Warrell (Episode #311)

Fear #2: Fear of Rejection

How it shows up:
We don’t speak up, share our ideas, or pursue opportunities because we fear others will dismiss or reject us.

Example:
You’re in a team meeting at work, and you have a great idea, but you keep quiet because you’re afraid your boss or colleagues will think it’s a bad idea.

Impact:
By staying silent, you lose opportunities to contribute and grow. You don’t get the recognition you deserve, and others might not realize the value you bring.

Method to Tackle It:
Desensitize yourself to rejection. Start by intentionally putting yourself in situations where you might face rejection—this helps you get used to the feeling and bounce back quicker.

Action Step:
Set a goal this week to share an idea or opinion in a meeting or conversation. Whether it’s accepted or not, just the act of speaking up will build your confidence.

Book Recommendation: Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang (Episode #085)

Fear #3: Fear of Success

How it shows up:
Believe it or not, success can be just as scary as failure. We avoid taking steps toward success because we fear the increased responsibility, expectations, or visibility that comes with it.

Example:
You’re offered a promotion at work, but you hesitate to take it because you’re worried the new role will be too demanding, and you’ll be in the spotlight.

Impact:
By avoiding success, you limit your potential, both professionally and personally. You may find yourself stuck in the same role for years, while others advance.

Method to Tackle It:
Prepare for success by visualizing how you’ll handle the responsibilities and pressures that come with it. Knowing what to expect can ease your anxiety.

Action Step:
Think about what success looks like for you in the next six months. Write down how you’d manage the new challenges that come with that success. It’ll help you feel more prepared when the opportunity arises.

Book Recommendation: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Fear #4: Fear of Change

How it shows up:
We cling to the familiar and resist new opportunities because the unknown feels uncomfortable or scary.

Example:
You’ve been thinking about switching careers, but you’re afraid of leaving behind the security of your current job, so you stay put even though you’re not happy.

Impact:
This fear keeps you stuck in situations that no longer serve you. You miss out on personal and professional growth that comes from stepping into new opportunities.

Method to Tackle It:
Embrace gradual change. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start small by making manageable changes.

Action Step:
Pick one small change you’ve been avoiding and commit to taking action on it. Whether it’s updating your resume, networking, or learning a new skill, just start.

Book Recommendation: Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath

Fear #5: Fear of Inadequacy (Impostor Syndrome)

How it shows up:
We feel unqualified or like a fraud, even when we’re fully capable. We worry that people will find out we’re not as good as they think we are.

Example:
You’ve been asked to lead a big project, but deep down, you feel like you’re not good enough and someone else would do a better job.

Impact:
This fear holds you back from taking on leadership roles or stepping into opportunities where you could truly shine.

Method to Tackle It:
Keep a “win journal.” Document your achievements and positive feedback so that when doubt creeps in, you can remind yourself of your accomplishments.

Action Step:
Start a list of your recent achievements, no matter how small. Review this list whenever you feel inadequate—it’ll help you see your worth clearly.

Book Recommendation: Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms by Shellye Archambeau (Episode #349)

Fear #6: Fear of Judgment or Criticism

How it shows up:
We avoid taking creative risks or putting ourselves out there because we’re afraid of what others might think or say.

Example:
You want to start a blog or YouTube channel, but you’re afraid of getting negative comments or being judged, so you never start.

Impact:
You hold back your creativity and never fully express yourself, which limits your ability to impact others and share your voice.

Method to Tackle It:
Focus on the mission, not the critics. Remind yourself why you started, and who you’re trying to help or inspire.

Action Step:
This week, share a piece of content—a blog post, a social media update, or an idea—without worrying about how it’ll be received. Focus on your message, not the feedback.

Book Recommendation: What to do When it’s Your Turn (and it’s Always Your Turn) by Seth Godin (Episode #066)

Fear #7: Fear of Discomfort or Difficulty

How it shows up:
We avoid tasks that seem too hard or uncomfortable because we fear the effort or stress involved.

Example:
You want to train for a marathon or learn a new skill, but the thought of how hard it will be makes you put it off.

Impact:
By avoiding discomfort, you miss out on growth, development, and ultimately achieving your full potential.

Method to Tackle It:
Build resilience through micro-challenges. Take on small, manageable challenges to get used to discomfort, gradually increasing the difficulty.

Action Step:
Identify a difficult task you’ve been avoiding and break it down into smaller steps. Take the first step today, and celebrate the progress you make.

Book Recommendation: Reach: A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Rise to the Challenge, and Build Confidence by Andy Molinsky (Episode 156)

Fear #8: Fear of Disappointing Others

How it shows up:
We make choices based on other people’s expectations or fears of letting them down, rather than what’s right for us.

Example:
You’ve always dreamed of starting your own business, but you stay in your current job because you’re afraid of disappointing your family or coworkers.

Impact:
You end up living a life that isn’t truly yours, leading to long-term dissatisfaction and regret.

Method to Tackle It:
Clarify your own values and goals. Focus on making decisions that align with your own priorities, rather than trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.

Action Step:
Write down your top three personal values and compare them with the expectations others have of you. Take one action this week that aligns with your values, not theirs.

Book Recommendation: The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware

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