Fear Is More Familiar Than We Admit
Fear is one of those emotions we rarely talk about openly. Not because we don’t feel it — but because admitting it makes us feel exposed. It highlights our doubts, our hesitation, and the parts of ourselves we often try to hide.
So we push fear aside. We try to distract ourselves. We convince ourselves that we’re fine. Yet fear will always show up right before change does.
Our brains are wired to protect us — not necessarily to help us grow. When we step into unfamiliar territory, the mind reacts with caution. That inner voice begins to whisper:
What if you fail?
What if you’re not ready?
It doesn’t mean we’re incapable. It simply means the brain hasn’t yet learned that the unknown can also be safe. Understanding this is the first step in How We Learn to Embrace Change: Moving From Fear to Growth — not by waiting for fear to disappear, but by learning to move alongside it.
Many of us, especially millennials, grew up with fear as a teacher rather than encouragement. Mistakes were punished, not explored. We were corrected more than we were celebrated. Over time, failure became something to fear instead of something to learn from.
Trying something new stopped feeling exciting. It started feeling risky. So we adapted. We chose predictability over possibility. We stayed where it felt “safe,” even when it left us feeling unfulfilled.
I still remember one of my many experiences with fear some years ago. I was informed that I would be taking over a new position in my office. Almost immediately, I began listing all the reasons I might not be a good fit. I let fear overwhelm me to the point where I didn’t want to attend the interview.
I spent nights spiraling — overthinking, worrying, and running through endless “what ifs.” Instead of feeling grounded, I felt mentally exhausted before anything had even begun. Fear quietly filled the space where confidence should have been.
Looking back, I realize it wasn’t a lack of ability holding me back — it was fear doing what it had always done: trying to protect me from the unknown.
If you’ve ever struggled with internal resistance, you might find strength in I Thought Fear Was the Problem—Until I Changed My Mindset, which reframes fear into a signal, not a stop sign.
Reframing Fear: From Barrier to Guide
Fear is not a stop sign. More often, it’s a cue that meaningful change is near.
- Fear signals growth. The brain reacts because it doesn’t yet recognize new territory.
- Fear is not failure. It’s a response to uncertainty — and responses can be rewritten.
- Fear diminishes with action. Each small step teaches the brain that you can survive and adapt.
For more on reframing inner resistance, check out Turn Your Inner Critic into an Inner Ally, a guide to transforming negative self-talk into encouragement.
Small Wins Lead to Big Shifts
Growth rarely happens in dramatic leaps. It shows up in small, intentional steps.
- Trying, even when unsure.
- Moving forward, even when uncomfortable.
- Learning as you go.
Each small action slowly teaches your brain: I can survive this. I can figure things out. Over time, fear loosens its grip, and confidence grows.
If you want practical steps to maintain momentum, explore How to Build Lasting Habits: Start Small and Stay Consistent.
The Invitation to Grow
If you’re standing at the edge of a decision or a new chapter, know this: you don’t need to be fearless. You just need willingness.
How We Learn to Embrace Change: Moving From Fear to Growth happens when you stop treating fear as a barrier and start seeing it as a guide. Transformation begins when you step forward despite uncertainty.
A Gentle Reflection
What challenge are you facing right now?
What fear might be quietly influencing your choices?
Growth doesn’t ask for perfection.
It asks for presence.
If you’re learning, unlearning, or simply trying, you’re already enough.
If this reflection resonated with you, explore more thoughtful insights and personal lessons at EvolvingWithCheta.com — a space where growth is gentle, honest, and ongoing.
4 thoughts on “How We Learn to Embrace Change: Moving From Fear to Growth”
Fear….the 4 letter word that somehow has been given so much power over the years….one of the things I learned this year is to ignore fear(even though it takes being very intentional to do so)
I remember my heart beating so fast because I wanted to confront a decision I was scared of…but at the end of the day I’m glad I did.
Thank you Cheta for once again sharing with us.
Thank you for sharing this.
Fear really does have a way of growing when we give it space — and choosing to move through it, even intentionally and slowly, is no small thing.
That moment you described — the racing heart, the hesitation, and still showing up — that’s growth in its most honest form. I’m glad you listened to yourself and took that step.
I appreciate you @Ginika for being here and reflecting alongside me.
“Mistakes were punished, not explored. We were corrected more than we were celebrated. Over time, failure became something to fear instead of something to learn from.”
This was my world while growing up. I was so afraid of my uncle that I made unnecessary, silly mistakes. At 19, I was still shy to stand on my own because of how I was raised. I thank God I overcame those challenges.
Thank you for sharing this so honestly. What you described is something many people quietly carry, and naming it takes courage.
Growing up in an environment where mistakes were punished rather than explored can deeply shape how we see ourselves. It can make fear louder than confidence and hesitation feel safer than growth. I’m really glad you were able to recognize how that upbringing affected you—and even more grateful that you found your way through it.
Overcoming those challenges is no small thing. It speaks to your resilience and your willingness to heal. Thank you for trusting this space with your story. It matters, and it may help someone else feel less alone.