Often, it is not a lack of ability or inspiration that stands between us and success, but fear. This can be what keeps us from taking that next step, or stops us from running toward our ideas and dreams. In the construction industry, this can mean stopping you from growing into a new role or pursuing a new opportunity.

Even the most successful, seemingly fearless innovators and leaders have things that they are afraid of. The difference is they have learned to successfully live with fear. They have accepted that fear is a part of the journey, and have found ways to manage or even leverage it.

But where do our fears come from? Studies have shown that humans are born with only two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. All other fears live in our subconscious as learned beliefs. Left unmanaged, these fears can cause a negative mindset, which can lead to barriers in our success.

Some of the most common fears that can impact personal and professional success are:

• The fear of saying “no” – So many of us fear that turning down an opportunity will limit their careers. In fact, it is important to know your limits. Always saying “yes “can lead to burnout, which can be a huge hindrance to success and growth.
• The fear of asking for help – Needing help has been negatively portrayed as a sign of weakness. However, asking for help can be, in fact, a sign of strength. It takes confidence to admit that you do not have all the answers, and shows that you value the input of others.
• The fear of being found out as a fraud – We have all heard the expression “fake it ‘til you make it.” This is often true for the most successful people. More likely than not, they had a great idea, but no idea on how to make it a reality. They learned on the job, trusted their own instincts and abilities, which ultimately allowed them to realize tremendous success.

The only way to conquer your fears is to learn how to effectively manage them – and the first step in managing your fears is identifying them. Fear can be a good thing; it means that you are exploring new territory, learning and growing. Instead of running away from your fears, you should embrace them. When you learn how to manage your fears, you will see the success it brings to both your personal and professional life.

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash