“You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety.” – Abraham Maslow
It’s hard to escape our past, and I’m not talking about last week or last year. I’m talking about centuries ago, and the fact that our brains have developed to keep us safe. It started when we were trying to avoid being eaten by lions, and it continues to this day.
When we’re faced with something that makes us uncomfortable, or afraid, or that on some level threatens us, our natural reaction is to retreat and be safe. Maybe we don’t have to worry so much about actual lions, but fear of embarrassment, fear of failure, fear of letting others down, and a whole bunch of other fears prompt the same response. Back up and save ourselves.
As leaders, we have to move towards the fear. Absolutely no growth whatsoever happens when we’re in our comfort zones, when we’re safe, when we’re doing things the way we’ve always done them for years and years. When we stay safe and comfortable, we continue to be the same people we’ve been, even as the world around us changes.
Think about yourself as a leader. Think about your career. What are the things you know you should do to advance the organization or be a better leader that you aren’t doing? Why aren’t you doing them? What exactly is the fear that’s holding you back?
None of us likes to admit that we make decisions based on avoiding scary things, but the reality is that as humans we’re wired for just that. And most of us do it, often without realizing it, for most of our lives.
Don’t miss out on a lifetime of growth. Don’t miss out on opportunities to do whatever great things you’re intended for because you backed away out of fear. Remember that anything great involves challenge and discomfort, and then embrace those things.
You aren’t intended to spend your entire career as a leader hiding in fear. Take a deep breath, understand where you need to go, and head right for it. The only regret you’ll have is that you didn’t do it sooner. Good luck.
