Embrace the Fear: Bold Career Moves for Unstoppable Success

You know that pounding heartbeat, the quickening breaths, and the creeping anxiety when you're about to do something new? Instead of retreating, what if I told you that running toward that fear could be the key to your career success?

In your career, the things that scare you most are often the things that will help you grow the fastest. Embracing discomfort is the secret sauce to fast-tracking your success—whether it's stepping into a new role, tackling a big project, or taking on a challenging client.

For me, that was doing sales. I had no formal training in sales, and I never saw myself in this type of role. I have a journalism background, a career based on being unbiased. And now I was going to jump into sales? The gap between my training and what I was about to do couldn’t have been wider.

So why do it? For me, I had decided that my role as Vice President of Operations encompassed literally anything that wasn’t being done (or done well) that would help my agency grow. At the time, there just was no better alternative. My CEO was the only one doing sales well, and I had learned that he should be working on the business, not in the business, if we wanted to thrive.

So I gave it a shot.

Even though I would get sweaty palms. Even though my heart would start beating faster. And yes, even though I sometimes stumbled on my words, I went for it.

Sometimes The Scary Thing Pays Off

As it turned out, after a few tries, I was pretty good at sales. I think a few things made that possible:

• I was genuine. My lack of training actually worked in my favor. I just had conversations with people and determined how I could help them.
• I actually listened. When they talked about their frustrations, I didn’t jump in with, “We can fix that!” I let them talk about their challenges and problems, then I asked questions to determine if my company was a good fit to provide a solution.
• I was likable. I paid attention to what would make people feel comfortable in the moment. Even if I was in a bad mood, I put a smile on my face and was nice. I showed them they could trust me and would not regret choosing me should we decide to work together.

Spoiler alert: No. 3 is sometimes the hardest thing for people. Being likable is half the battle with sales. You can’t come off as slimy or talk down to people. People need to actually want to schedule a follow-up call with you.

So sales was my version of doing the scary thing. But that may take different forms for everyone: It may be creating a new ad design or pitching a new campaign. It could be taking an interview with your dream company or quitting your current job.

For you, the scary thing might be leading a high-stakes presentation. For others, it could be asking for a promotion, launching a new product, or stepping into a leadership role. No matter what it is, these moments of fear often precede the most significant breakthroughs.

Step 1? Set your goal. Then prepare the best you can. Research, prep, and practice. Do it over and over again until you feel comfortable.

Don't wait for opportunities to come knocking—create them. Whether it’s volunteering for a stretch project, seeking out mentors, or tackling a new skill, make it a habit to push yourself out of your comfort zone regularly.

Five Tips to Leave Your Comfort Zone

Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you are the type of person who relishes routine. But here are five ways to take the first step toward expanding your comfort zone:

1. Volunteer for New Projects: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to your manager or team leader and ask to be included in projects that align with your career goals. This not only builds new skills but also showcases your willingness to grow. Plus, the more visible you are, the more opportunities will come your way.
2. Network with Different Teams: Schedule informal coffee chats with colleagues in other departments. Learn about their challenges and successes—you may discover new ways to collaborate or innovate within your role.
3. Seek Feedback Regularly: Requesting feedback can be intimidating, but it’s crucial for growth. Ask specific questions when requesting feedback, like, "What’s one thing I can improve on in my next presentation?" This shows your willingness to grow and helps you focus on actionable improvements.
4. Present Your Ideas: Whether it’s during a team meeting or a one-on-one with your boss, take the initiative to share your ideas. Speaking up might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s an essential step in building confidence and influencing your work environment.
5. Set Stretch Goals: Push yourself by setting goals that are slightly beyond your current capabilities. These “stretch goals” encourage you to develop new skills and problem-solving techniques, ultimately making you more adaptable and resilient in your role.

Remember This to Make Things Less Scary

And always keep in mind that most people are rooting for you. This was a huge game-changer for me. Once I realized that the person interviewing me wanted me to be the one they hired, I stopped being nervous for interviews.

Think about it: If you are in sales, most people want your solution to be the best one to solve their problems. Your boss definitely wants you to grow and be your best self. No one is hoping you fail or fall flat on your face.

Remember, every time you take on something that scares you, you’re not just expanding your skills—you’re also building resilience. The next time you feel that rush of nerves, know that it's your signal to keep pushing forward.

So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Do the scary thing. We are all cheering for you!

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