Fear Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of

Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show hosted by a psychologist. A young woman caller said, "I just got accepted to medical school!"

"Congratulations!" said the host. "That's terrific."

"And," the caller admitted, "I'm scared to death."

"Of course you are!" said the host. "Just don't be paralyzed. Keep going. Work in and through the fear."

I was reminded of that call recently, when someone said, "People who go through transitions are fearful."

"And well they should be!" I replied. "There's a lot to be afraid of in a transition."

"That's negative!"

"During a transition, you've got lots of things going on. And lots of people are standing by, waiting to take your money. You'd do well to be scared."

"But fear is bad."

"No. fear can be your friend. Fear is a signal from your intuition that you need to be vigilant."

"But you can't make decisions based on fear."

"No. But if you're feeling scared, pay attention to what's going on. Deal with the fear first. If you're trying to decide whether to quit your job, fear can help you make a good plan.

Fear of getting sick can lead to a healthy diet, exercise and insurance."

"What if you're paralyzed?"

"When you feel paralyzed by fear, take some action. Any action. Start moving. See if you feel the fear easing up. You can also work on your anxieties by writing in a journal or talking to someone you trust. As you write or talk, you may feel less scared."

"What if you don't?"

"Full scale panic attacks call for professional treatment from a qualified therapist. If your fear is holding you back from reaching your goals, you need to seek professional help. For instance, if your job calls for driving and you're afraid to drive on the freeway, you need to talk to a psychologist who deals with phobias."

"What can a coach do?"

"A career coach or consultant can help you look at the facts in a new way. I can help you decide if your fear is realistic and, if so, how to deal with it. I can remind you that most people entering a transition will be scared."

"Any warnings?"

"Yes. Don't let anyone dismiss your fears. Only you can tell if fear comes from your intuition or if this particular fear is blocking your intuition."

"So fear is not something to be afraid of."

"I believe fear is a friend, a message from intuition."

"Or as Franklin Roosevelt said fifty years ago, in a whole different context, 'The only thing left to fear is fear itself.'"

"You got it."

Recommended reading:
Thom Rutledge's book, Embracing Fear offers a well-written, down-to-earth perspective by a Nashville-based counselor.

I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" http://www.cathygoodwin.com

Contact: http://www.cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

professional maid services Park Ridge ..
In The News:

A 2025 data breach at fintech company 700Credit exposes personal information of more than 5.8 million people through compromised third-party integration partner.
Retailers lose $76.5 billion annually to return fraud as nearly 10% of U.S. retail returns involve fraudulent activity, with $850 billion in returns expected in 2025.
ShinyHunters claims responsibility for stealing 94GB of Pornhub user data affecting over 200 million records and demands Bitcoin ransom.
ChatGPT 2025 now connects to Apple Music, Canva, Expedia, TripAdvisor and OpenTable through built-in apps that help users create playlists, design graphics and more.
Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.
DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.
Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.
The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.
New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.
Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.
New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.
Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.
Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.
New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.
The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.
San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.
FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.
Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.
Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.
Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.
Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.
The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.
Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.

Firewords: A Dangerous Necessity in Your Life?

There are many stories of people injuring themselves, and others,... Read More

Positive Mental Attitude

1. Smile2. Laugh3. Greet people courteously4. Be enthusiastic5. Dream. Engage... Read More

Why Positive Thinking Doesnt Work!

There was someone I used to work with who, well... Read More

Quick Tips On Making Change Work For You

Facing a change and want to make it work for... Read More

Banish Shallow Breathing And Boost Self Esteem!

You know, very often, the manner in which a person... Read More

You Have All The Resources You Need

You already have all the resources you need to accomplish... Read More

As A Man Thinketh...

"For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is... Read More

Why Do Some Affirmations *Work* - and Others Dont?

By definition,an affirmation is a statement repeated time and again... Read More

Positive Thinking - Anxiety & Panic

If you suffer with or have in the past suffered... Read More

How to Deal With No

No one likes rejection. And yet it happens. Here's how... Read More

Feel Those Feelings and Develop Emotional Intelligence

There is an old joke about a man who is... Read More

Words, Ignorance, And Casper The Friendly Ghost!

Words, Ignorance, and Casper The Friendly Ghost!Do your best to... Read More

Growing Optimistically

Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More

Whats My Life All About?

What's my life all about is the question so many... Read More

Optimism: The Tremendous Benefits of a Positive Attitude

How many times have you heard someone say, "Hey, cheer... Read More

In A Slump?, Rejoice I Say, Rejoice!

Yea, I know........I hear you saying "that's easy for you... Read More

Need A Miracle? Build One, Everyday!

Henry Ford, after he had achieved great success, was the... Read More

Positive Affirmations

Never used 'em. Not likely to start now.OK, so I... Read More

From Stress to Adventure

Ten tips to transform your move into a creative life... Read More

Positive Thoughts and Words

You want to change your self-care habits and you can't... Read More

Life Energy

There is a growing appreciation of the impact of psychic... Read More

Seeing Challenges as Opportunities

Are you a person who loves challenges, or hates them?... Read More

Becoming Excellent: Outsmarting Racism

Thinkers know better than to be racist. It's generally understood... Read More

Heres Your Calm During The Storm Of Discouragement

Have you ever known someone like this? "A person who... Read More

Creating Success Through Self-Affirming Thought Patterns

Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through... Read More

cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..