Do people resist change or do they fear failing?

We have continuously heard from leaders and literature that people resist change.

I disagree with that statement. All of us have made personal changes with the intent to be better (successful), be it getting married, having children, moving countries, or learning a new hobby.

In the same vein, at work, none of us aspire to FAIL. We desire to succeed. But when we are in the midst of an organisational change, sometimes we feel that we are losing control and may fail.  Then, we tend to go back to a safe place. A place that has made us successful.

And if as leaders, we dig deeper, we might even discover that it is FEAR that is holding our teams back. So perhaps, instead of giving our teams steroids of positivity, maybe we should help them understand their fears and help them navigate their way to success?

One good resource to understand and navigate fear is the book by Susan Jeffers’, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.”

At its core, Jeffers’ book challenges the notion that fear is something to be avoided or conquered. Instead, she encourages us to embrace fear as a natural and inevitable part of the human experience. By understanding and accepting our fears, we can liberate ourselves from their grip and pursue our dreams with greater courage and confidence.

Understanding fear

Jeffers begins by breaking down fear into three levels.

1.   Level 1 fears are those that are situational, like the fear of public speaking or changing careers. These are the surface fears that we often recognise easily.

2.   Level 2 fears are deeper, involving our ego and self-perception, such as the fear of rejection or failure.

3.   Level 3 fears are the most profound, rooted in the belief that we will not be able to handle whatever life throws at us.

Understanding these levels will help us see that fear is a natural part of life, especially when we are growing and trying new things. Jeffers emphasises that fear is not a psychological problem but an educational one. It is about learning to handle fear rather than trying to eliminate it.

The five truths about fear

Jeffers outlines five truths about fear that are eye-opening:

1.    Fear will never go away as long as one continues to grow. This is a revelation. Fear is a sign of growth, not a signal to stop.

2.   The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it. Action is the antidote to fear. The more one face their fears, the less power fear will have over them.

3.   The only way to feel better is to go out and do it. Confidence comes from doing, not from waiting for the fear to disappear.

4.   Everyone will experience fear whenever they are on unfamiliar territory. This normalises fear. Knowing that everyone feels fear, makes it less isolating.

5.   Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness. Taking action, even small steps, is empowering.

Taking responsibility

One of the most impactful concepts in the book is taking responsibility for your own life. Jeffers introduces the idea of moving from a victim mentality to a creator mentality. Instead of blaming external circumstances for one’s fears and failures, learn to take control of responses and actions. This means that everyone has the power to change their life, regardless of the obstacles they face.

No-lose decisions

Decision-making is another area where fear often paralyses people. Jeffers offers a powerful tool: the concept of no-lose decisions. She explains that every decision has inherent value and potential for growth. Instead of agonising over making the “right” choice, learn to see each decision as an opportunity to learn and grow. This approach will reduce anxiety and help make decisions with more confidence.

Affirmations and positive thinking

Jeffers emphasises the importance of positive thinking and affirmations. She suggests replacing negative self-talk with empowering affirmations. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t handle this,” start saying, “I can handle whatever comes my way.” This simple shift in language has a profound impact on mindsets and ability to face challenges.

Building a support system

Another key takeaway is the importance of building a support system. Jeffers encourages everyone to surround themselves with positive, supportive people who can provide encouragement and perspective. Reach out to friends and family, and even join communities of practice. This network of support makes a significant difference in one’s ability to face fears and take action.

READ MORE: What if your leaders are suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome?

Conclusion

“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers is a transformative guide for leaders leading change. By understanding the nature of fear, taking responsibility, and using practical tools like affirmations and no-lose decisions, leaders will be better placed to support their teams achieve success through change.

Remember, fear is not something to be avoided or conquered; it is simply a part of being human. By understanding and accepting fear, you can unlock your true potential and live a life filled with courage, purpose, and joy.

About the author: Go Ashokh Menon is an Agile Coach & Change Agent. He is also a licensed Authentic Leadership Conversation Facilitator and a flowprofiler® Certified Trainer at One Synergy Global. This article was first published on the author’s LinkedIn page.