David Rock, a leading neuroscientist, once said that without consciousness, we become “automatons driven by fear, greed, and habit.” I’ve had countless conversations with clients about this very idea. The truth is, everything we do is either motivated by fear or inspired by love. It’s a powerful self-check: Are we operating from fear or from love?
The Impact of Fear on Energy
When we engage in fear avoidance behavior, we shut ourselves down—often without realizing it. Here’s a simple example:
If movement causes you pain, and you fear making it worse, you might stop moving altogether. But avoiding movement will only lead to more stiffness, pain, and weakness. However, if you move gently and with mindfulness, you stimulate circulation, ease tension, and promote healing. Avoiding pain doesn’t prevent it—it actually reinforces it.
This pattern applies to so many areas of life. Fear drains energy. It keeps us stuck, inhibits progress, and limits our potential. On the other hand, choosing awareness over avoidance can restore vitality, resilience, and wellbeing.
Fear vs. Abundance: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Life
People who fear scarcity tend to hold on tightly to what they have. But in doing so, they also block new opportunities from coming in. I always say:
"If your hands are closed because you're holding onto what you have, then your hands aren’t open to receive more."
A closed fist pushes away abundance. An open hand welcomes it.
The Counterintuitive Secret to Overcoming Fear
One of the greatest lessons in overcoming fear comes from Viktor Frankl, the Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning. His insight? Move toward what you fear.
It sounds counterintuitive, but it's a fascinating and powerful approach.
If you fear failure, allow failure to be a possibility. Take risks. Learn from mistakes.
If you fear uncertainty, lean into it. Embrace change. See where it takes you.
If you fear judgment, step forward anyway. The only way to grow is to choose courage over comfort.
Fear catastrophizes. It turns mistakes into imagined disasters. But the truth is, some of the greatest breakthroughs in history happened because people weren’t afraid to fail.
Fearlessness Fuels Progress
As an employer, coach, and physiotherapist, I have seen firsthand how fear holds people back. But I’ve also witnessed incredible transformations when people let go of that fear. Taking a leap—even when it feels risky—can unlock creativity, energy, and resilience.
We were all fearless once. Remember when you were a child learning to walk? You didn’t quit after falling a few times. You didn’t let failure stop you. That same boldness still exists within you.
What Do You Fear?
Take a moment to reflect:
What fear is driving your choices?
What fear avoidance behaviors are holding you back?
Where in your life could you choose courage over fear?
Awareness is the first step toward change. We can’t shift our behaviors until we truly understand them.
I wish you fearlessness.
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