You don’t need to wait for fear to disappear. You need to see it clearly and make a decision anyway.
Fear Feels Big. But What If It’s Just Close?
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Fortune favors the bold.”
But when a bold move shows up in our lives, fear isn’t far behind. And fear loves to cloud things. You might recognize the fog:
- Regrets from the past
- Anxiety about the future
- Self-doubt in the present
All of them have one thing in common: they stall action.
But here’s what I’ve learned—both personally and from the hundreds of professionals I’ve coached:
Fear is usually a mile wide and an inch deep.
It feels like an ocean… until you step in. Then? It’s just a puddle.
Before You Leap, Let’s Shrink the Fear
If you’re staring down a bold decision, switching jobs, starting a business, moving to a new place, or having a tough conversation, this exercise is for you.
You don’t need a leap of faith. You need a clear-eyed look at what’s true.
Fear Shrinking Exercise for Professionals
Time Required: ~20 minutes Tools: Pen + paper or a blank doc. (Bonus: Put your phone away.)
Step 1: Name the Decision You’re Avoiding
Write it down clearly and simply. What is the bold move I’ve been putting off?
Examples: – “I want to leave my job, but I’m afraid of what comes next.” or “I need to set a boundary with my boss, but I don’t want to stir things up.” or “I’ve outgrown this role, but starting over feels scary.”
Step 2: Worst Case Scenario, Unfiltered
Get honest. What is the absolute worst that could happen if this goes wrong?
Be vivid. If everything tanks, what would that look like? Write it out—no sugarcoating.
Step 3: Reality Check
- On a scale from 1–10, how likely is that worst-case scenario?
- If it did happen, how would you recover?
- Who or what could help you bounce back?
Most people realize the fear is either:
a) not that likely
b) something they could navigate if it came true.
Step 4: Flip the Script
Now write the best-case scenario.
- What if it all goes right?
- What becomes possible for you, emotionally, professionally, financially?
Then rate the upside on a 1–10 scale.
Spoiler: The upside often outweighs the risk by a long shot.
Step 5: Calculate the Cost of Inaction
- What is not making this move costing you?
- Financially? Mentally? Emotionally?
Project it forward:
- If I stay where I am for 1 year, what will it feel like?
- In 5 years, what will I wish I had done today?
This is where clarity hits hardest.
Why It Works
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” Seneca
Fear is sticky when it lives in your head. Once it’s on paper, you can see it for what it is: a distortion, not a death sentence.
That bold move you’re avoiding? It might just be the doorway to the life you’ve been working toward.
Final Reflection
You don’t need to be fearless. You need to be willing.
Willing to look fear in the face. Willing to make a plan. Willing to take the next step, even if your voice shakes a little.
The magic you’re looking for? It might live in the decision you’ve been avoiding.
Until next week, Mark
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