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Nothing to fear. In fact, how far can you go?
Simple ways to catalyze fear into strength and success
Dilan Gomih
October 18, 2024
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Estimated read time: 3.5 minutes
In the U.S., we treat fear as an indulgence during October — but we otherwise often hide it as a vulnerability. However, fear is a powerful part of human well-being. It provides signals that keep us safe, increases self-awareness, and, at the very least, reminds us to keep Raid under the sink if you're an arachnophobe (like me).
Fear can be harnessed to boost our productivity. Once you face what's in your way, you can move around it. Fear becomes detrimental when it stops you from fulfilling your purpose.
As someone passionate about human potential, here are tips to strengthen your growth mindset and manage fear:
Change the Internal Narrative
Stop saying, "I can't." Start saying, "I can't — yet." There's a powerful, research-backed difference. The latter opens your capacity to envision whatever role, hobby, or career change you want. Don't let skill or life stage stop you. Vera Wang started a fashion career at 40, and my mom became a lawyer at 52.
Break Through Your Upper Limits
This quote captures a common theme I've encountered through my work at Dilagence:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” — Marianne Williamson
Don’t fear your success. Instead, consider how much your success can help others and step into who you're meant to be from that perspective.
Have a Go-To Hype Person
From afar, I'm always here as your Nigerian female Lil Jon. But for your day-to-day, who is the person that sees the vision for you before you even see it yourself? When you’re thinking through what's next, grab some time to chat with them.
Do It for 80-Year-Old You
Facing a big decision? Ask what an 80-year-old would choose. As someone who's taken both figurative and literal 48-inch leaps while ninja training, I can honestly say 100-year-old Dilan was cheering me on.
On a practical note, don’t let the top five regrets of the dying be yours.
The Trick: Thinking fear is unnatural. The Treat: You can use fear to your advantage.
One Simple Thing
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Let's simplify that.
Commit to taking one bold action between now and year-end—something meaningful that stretches you beyond your comfort zone. (I’m sure something came to mind.)
Share your commitment with someone for accountability, or reply to this email if you'd like to share it with me.
Pro Tip: 45 seconds left to read.
1) If you’re sitting, stand up.
2) Try a good, old-fashioned wall sit, or…
3) Plank
Dilagence on the Move
Honored to be featured in Forbes, where I shared how Dilagence partners with organizations to help their workforces thrive. Check out the piece and let's discuss how to work together.
Need ways to protect your mind as the news cycle heats up? Read my tips in Women’s Fitness.
Dose of Dilan
What I Read En Route to Istanbul:
The Revenge of the Tipping Point - M to the G strikes again with his brilliance.
What I Watched En Route to Lagos:
Nobody Wants This. Adam Brody has come a looong way since The O.C. Fun fact: It was a top watch in Nigeria, too.
What I Confirmed En Route to NYC:
Where I will vote early for U.S. elections. Are you also in the U.S.? Make sure you’re registered.