The Difference Between Real and Imagined Threats
Your brain CAN’T actually tell the difference between real and imagined threats.
Wild, right? This phenomenon explains why we get scared watching horror movies or thinking about public speaking.
With all the global uncertainty lately – wars, political and economic changes, climate change, etc. – our fear responses are in overdrive. Our brains constantly scan for threats, even when we’re just scrolling through the news.
Interesting fact: Fear kicks off in the amygdala (a tiny part of your brain that looks like two small almonds), triggering a hormone rush – adrenaline and cortisol. It’s an old survival mechanism that’s working overtime in our modern world.
Sometimes, it keeps us safe, but often, it just holds us back—especially now, with everything changing so fast.
When we’re afraid, we tend to avoid risks. It sounds smart, but it can backfire. Think about all the opportunities missed because someone was too scared to try.
Fear can lead to:
–> Putting off important tasks or decisions.
–> Feeling like a fraud even when you’re killing it.
–> Staying in a job you hate because change is scary.
–> Never finishing projects because they’re not “perfect”.
These fear-driven behaviours are success killers. They stop us from growing, learning, and achieving our full potential. They breed in us a “fixed mindset”. Plus, constant fear is exhausting. It drains our energy and creativity – the very things we need to succeed in today’s world.
Here are simple ways you can overcome fear with a growth mindset:
–> View obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.
–> Develop coping skills and learn from past experiences.
–> Accept that uncertainty is a natural part of life and growth.
–> Focus on what you can control in the present moment.
Some of the most successful people aren’t fearless. They just learned to push through fear. They use it as fuel, NOT a roadblock.
But if we understand it and learn to work with it, we can turn things around. You just need to find that balance – being cautious enough to avoid real dangers but brave enough to take smart risks.
Remember, fear is not a barrier but a stepping stone to success.
Contact me if you want to turn fear into your greatest ally.
