Understanding Others’ Fears

When in doubt, look for fear. When someone acts in a surprising way, we can begin to understand by wondering what they might be afraid of.
Seth Godin

When we don’t understand why someone is behaving in a certain way, we can often find the answer by looking at their fears.

For example, some people avoid social gatherings because they are afraid of being judged or embarrassed. They may be worried about making small talk or dancing poorly.

Others are hesitant to share their ideas because they are afraid of being criticised or ridiculed. They may think that their ideas are not good enough or that they will be rejected.

Still others avoid conflict at all costs because they’re afraid of arguments or disagreements. They may worry that things will get out of hand or that they will say the wrong thing.

And finally, some people are afraid to try new things because they are afraid of failure or disappointment. They may prefer to play it safe and stay within their comfort zone.

We need to remember that everyone has fears.

Our quirks and fears are what make us who we are.

However, it is also important to face our fears, as doing so can be rewarding and lead to personal growth.

Just like finding a banknote in our old jeans, facing our fears can be unexpectedly fantastic!