Overcoming Fear: How to Embrace Change Without Losing Your Nerve
- Updated: April 23, 2025
Who has fears? “Not me!” said literally no one with a pulse.
If you’re facing big changes, second-guessing yourself, or stuck in the “what if” spiral, you’re not alone. As a healing and leadership coach, I’ve seen how fear can sneak into your decisions—dressed up as logic, responsibility, or timing. But here’s the truth: overcoming fear isn’t just about mindset—it’s about movement.
In this article, we’ll explore how fear works (and why it’s not always the villain), seven practical ways to work with it—not against it—and how embracing change can unlock parts of you that have been hiding behind “safe.” You’re stronger than you think. Let’s prove it.
Who's Afraid? - Yes, it's Me!!
This is the part of the article where I really reveal my age. Which isn’t forever 35… lol.
Back in the day, I used to tune in religiously to “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” It was a ritual to catch Brainiac Velma, fashionista Daphne, jock Fred, hippie Shaggy, and the talkative Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, as they piled into their iconic green van, the Mystery Machine, ready to tackle all sorts of odd occurrences. Funny thing is, even when they weren’t on the lookout, mysteries seemed to find them anyway. Classic “ruh-roh” moments all around!
This motley crew seemingly solved each and every mystery that faced them. And no doubt, there were scary moments (well, scary to a kid), but they seemed to fight through them and discover who the villain was up to all the scary and unpredictable things happening around them. At this point, you may be thinking to yourself, “What does an old children’s show have to do with me? I have bills to pay and some serious worries!” Great question!
Even though our fears can feel like they are getting in the way, they are actually here to help us. In the next section, let’s talk about the science of why we have fearful thoughts.
The Science Behind the Fear
Have you ever wondered why you feel scared or nervous when you’re about to try something new or tough? Well, it’s because of a small but super important part of our brain called the amygdala. This tiny brain bit controls our body’s reaction when we’re faced with things that seem scary.
Whether it’s starting something new in your business, getting into a new relationship, or making big changes in your life, the amygdala kicks into action, making us feel all jittery to keep us safe.
How fear helps
Yes, our brain wants to keep us safe from flying too close to the sun, risking all of our money on things that may not work, or avoiding people who remind us of dangerous people from the past.
And thank goodness for that because if we are naturally impulsive, we will be like the kid who runs while holding scissors! And nothing good can come if there are no natural guardrails in our mind that say, “Oh…I don’t think that is a good idea.”
That’s why we get those annoying feelings of doubt, putting things off, and getting in our own way.
→ Related: Six Tips to Overcome Self-Doubt and Start Trusting Yourself
How fear doesn’t help
But here’s the thing: while the amygdala means well, sometimes it can be too careful. It likes things to stay the same and gets worried when stuff is different. That’s why we get those annoying feelings of doubt, putting things off, and getting in our own way. But don’t worry, because we can actually control these feelings and find our inner strength.
In the next section, let’s talk about seven practical ways we can conquer our fears.
It's tempting to compare yourself to other people and their successes. But everyone's journey is different, and comparing yourself to others can make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, focus on your own progress and be proud of the small victories along the way.
Overcome Your Fear – 7 Practical Tips for Success:
Here are some simple tips to help you deal with fear and keep moving forward:
1. Make Fear Your Friend
Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s a messenger.
Instead of trying to shut it down, get curious. Ask what it’s trying to protect. Sometimes, naming the fear is all it takes to start disarming it.
2. Think About What You Could Miss Out On
Fear whispers “stay safe”—but safety often comes at the cost of your potential.
Ask yourself: What opportunities am I walking away from when I choose comfort over courage?
3. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Comparison is a thief—of peace, creativity, and momentum.
Everyone’s on a different path, and most people are only showing their highlight reel. Focus on your steps, not their stage.
4. Get Support
Fear grows louder in isolation.
Surround yourself with people who believe in your growth, not your excuses. A solid community makes the hard stuff feel a little less heavy.
5. Take Small Steps
Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to count.
Break the big, scary thing into micro-moves. One email. One conversation. One honest journal entry. It all adds up.
6. Reflect on Your Progress
Growth without reflection turns into burnout.
Pause. Look at what you’ve already faced—and survived. Let that remind you: You’re more capable than fear would have you believe.
7. Celebrate Your Wins
If you only focus on what’s next, you’ll miss how far you’ve come.
Mark the moments that matter. You’re building something real, even if it’s not loud or flashy yet.
🌟 Want more motivation for those in-between moments?
→ Try this: 13 Motivation Tips When You Feel Discouraged
The image below summarizes my thoughts. Next, I will share my final thoughts.
🙋♀️ FAQ: Facing Fear in Real Life
We’ve covered a lot—but sometimes fear doesn’t show up in obvious ways. If you’re still wondering how this applies to your day-to-day, these answers might help clear the fog.
If you constantly delay decisions, avoid taking risks, or second-guess your every move—even when you’re more than capable—fear may be running the show. It often disguises itself as “being realistic” or “waiting for the right time.”
Yes, and it often is. Fear is a natural response meant to protect you. It becomes a problem when it prevents growth. The goal isn’t to erase fear—it’s to notice it, understand it, and choose your response with intention.
You’re not broken—and you’re not alone. Sometimes fear is deeply rooted in past experiences like trauma, rejection, or failure. That’s where coaching, therapy, or structured support can help. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way forward.
Final thoughts
Fear doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re growing. When you start paying attention to what fear is trying to protect, you can work with it instead of fighting against it. And that’s where real momentum begins—not from perfection, but from presence.
If you’ve made it this far, I want to hear from you.
👉 What’s one fear you’ve been carrying—and what would it look like to face it differently?
Send me a note and share your thoughts. I read every message.
If you’re ready for deeper support, I’d love to be your coach.
💛 Explore working together
Also, don’t miss this episode of The Introverted Entrepreneur—we go deep into healing, communication, and becoming the version of yourself that fear tried to silence.
🎧 Tune in here
You’re not alone in this. Fear may visit—but it doesn’t get to drive.
