Fear is something we all carry, though it shows up differently for each of us. It can keep us safe, but it can also hold us back from opportunities, relationships, and growth. We asked some brilliant members of the community to share the one fear that has shaped their choices the most—and their answers reveal just how universal, yet deeply personal, our struggles with fear really are.
Jeffery Powell
The fear of failing not measuring up. Many times I am afraid of stepping out or starting a new project for fear of it not working and having to face the reality of failing. In most cases if you don’t try you have already failed. So I have gotten better at facing my fear of failing and now stepping out on faith. Read more>>
Colleen Mier
For a long time, the fear that held me back the most was the fear of not being “enough.” Not experienced enough, not knowledgeable enough, not the “right” person to be in certain rooms. It kept me from speaking up or chasing opportunities I truly cared about. Read more>>
Danica Carson
Fear of failure has posed a significant challenge for me. The mere thought of failing often discouraged me from attempting new things. However, as I’ve matured—particularly since becoming a mom—I’ve come to understand that failure is essential for personal growth and long-term happiness. If you only engage in activities you’re confident in, you restrict your potential for development. Read more>>
Vernetta Thomas
The greatest fear that once held me back was failure. Over time, I’ve grown braver and learned to embrace it. I now understand that failure isn’t something to avoid—it’s a powerful teacher that helps us grow stronger and wiser. Read more>>
Devin Wilmott Johnson
The fear of not being successful. For a long time, that fear drove everything. It pushed me to overwork, to overperform, and to constantly chase the next milestone. But in that pursuit, I realized I was sacrificing something I could never get back—time. Time with my family. Time watching my daughters grow. Time simply being present. Read more>>
Candace Duplessis
I think for me, it’s the fear of disappointment. Feeling like I’m doing things incorrectly or constantly feeling like I’m not good enough is something I struggled with, and sometimes still do. It’s caused me to drop life altering opportunities in the past, but I’ve learned and now I’m working towards growing through it. Read more>>
