15 Ways to Overcome Fear While Pursuing Personal Goals
Overcoming fear while pursuing personal goals is a universal challenge that many face. This article presents expert insights and practical strategies to help readers conquer their anxieties and achieve their aspirations. By understanding common fears and learning effective techniques, individuals can take confident steps towards realizing their full potential.
- Navigating Business Cycles with Ancient Wisdom
- Balancing Freedom and Structure in Parenting
- Expanding a Personal Business with Care
- Growing a Brand Beyond Online Presence
- Tackling Evolving Email Threats for Businesses
- Scaling a Local Lawn Care Business
- Conquering Long-Distance Triathlon Training Fears
- Reimagining Dental Care for Anxious Patients
- Venturing into Boutique Commercial Real Estate
- Mastering Public Speaking on Industry Stages
- Growing Insurance Business While Maintaining Connections
- Integrating Advanced Home Automation in NYC
- Cultivating Optimism Amid Global Challenges
- Launching a Venture Outside Familiar Territory
- Navigating Real Estate Investment Amid Uncertainty
Navigating Business Cycles with Ancient Wisdom
As the President and CEO of DataNumen, a data recovery software company, my biggest fear centers around the inherently unpredictable nature of our business. Data recovery is crisis-driven—customers only seek us out after disaster strikes, which means our sales naturally fluctuate in unpredictable cycles rather than following steady growth patterns.
The goal that scares me most is maintaining business stability and team morale during inevitable sales valleys. In the early years, these downturns would fill me with anxiety and self-doubt. I’d question our strategy, worry about cash flow, and lose sleep wondering if this downturn would be different—permanent.
My breakthrough came from an unexpected source: the ancient Chinese text, the I Ching (Book of Changes). Specifically, I found wisdom in understanding the relationship between the hexagrams “Pi” (adversity/stagnation) and “Tai” (peace/prosperity). The I Ching teaches that when negative conditions reach their extreme, they naturally transform into positive ones—embodied in the Chinese idiom “Pi Ji Tai Lai” (prosperity comes after adversity reaches its peak).
This philosophy fundamentally shifted how I approach business uncertainty. Instead of fighting fear during slow periods, I now use them strategically—investing in product development, team training, and market research. I’ve learned to recognize these cycles as natural rhythms rather than business failures.
By applying this ancient wisdom to modern business challenges, I’ve successfully navigated multiple sales valleys and emerged stronger each time. The fear hasn’t disappeared, but it’s transformed from paralyzing anxiety into productive preparation for the inevitable upturn.
Chongwei Chen
President & CEO, DataNumen
Balancing Freedom and Structure in Parenting
The personal goal I’m currently working on, and honestly, the one that scares me the most, is finding the right balance between giving my kids freedom to explore and ensuring they have the structure they need. I know from both research and experience that children learn best when they’re curious, hands-on, and engaged in the real world. However, in day-to-day life, it can feel overwhelming. Between busy schedules, screens, and just the chaos of parenting, it’s easy to wonder if I’m doing enough or doing it right.
The fear comes from those nagging “what ifs.” Parenting often feels like walking a tightrope. For example, when we travel as a family, I sometimes catch myself worrying about letting the kids try something new on their own, like ordering food in another language or wandering a little ahead in a safe space. But I’ve seen how much confidence they gain in those moments, and that reminds me why it’s worth pushing through the fear.
What helps me is focusing on small, consistent routines. It doesn’t have to be big or complicated; things like sticking to brushing teeth every night, even when we’re away from home, or carving out screen-free time so we can play a game or explore outside. These little habits give my kids stability, and that stability makes it easier for them to take on new experiences with confidence. It also helps me relax because I know they have a foundation to come back to.
Mona Hovaizi
Founder & CEO, Gaux
Expanding a Personal Business with Care
The biggest personal goal I’m working on right now is growing Revive My Spaces from just me into a small team of organizers. Honestly, it’s exciting but also a little terrifying. I’ve built such close, personal relationships with my clients, and trusting other people to carry that same standard of care feels like a big leap. The fear is less about running the business and more about making sure every client still feels seen, supported, and truly taken care of. To work through that, I’ve been putting a lot of effort into documenting my process and teaching others how to approach each project with the same thoughtfulness I do.
Over the past 50 homes, I’ve learned that it’s not just about making a space look neat; it’s about helping people breathe easier in their own homes. Keeping that bigger mission in mind has shifted my perspective on growth. Instead of feeling like I’m losing control, I see it as expanding the impact of what I started. I’ll never forget a client who told me her living room finally felt like a place where her kids could play without the constant stress of clutter. It wasn’t just about bins and labels; it was about giving her family peace of mind. Moments like that remind me why I do this, and they keep me grounded when fear of the “what-ifs” shows up. Every time I take a step forward, whether it’s training someone new or booking bigger projects, I feel more confident that this isn’t about me alone. It’s about creating more homes where people feel calm, organized, and at peace. That’s what makes pushing through the uncertainty worth it.
Lauren Hammer
Founder & Lead Organizer, Revive My Spaces
Growing a Brand Beyond Online Presence
The goal that scares me most right now is growing Tied Sunwear beyond being just an online brand and into resorts and boutiques. It’s exciting, but it also comes with a lot of uncertainty: bigger orders, new partnerships, and trusting other people to represent what we’ve built. There are definitely moments when I feel nervous about whether it will all connect the way I hope. What helps me work through that fear is going back to why I started the company in the first place. I’ve always loved the beach, but I also saw firsthand the damage too much sun exposure can cause. I wanted women to have the option of clothing that protects their skin without sacrificing style or comfort. Remembering that mission keeps me steady, because it’s bigger than just business – it’s about helping women feel safe and confident in the sun.
I also think about the women already wearing our pieces. One customer told me she wore our UPF 50+ top on a weeklong family trip in Florida. She said she felt comfortable, stylish, and never once worried about her skin while chasing her kids around outdoors. Hearing that reminds me that what we’re making isn’t just fabric – it’s freedom and peace of mind. On the technical side, I know we’re offering something truly reliable. Our fabric is tested in the U.S., made in South Korea, and has sun protection woven right in so it never washes off. It’s lightweight, cooling, and soft, which makes it easy to wear all day. Having that confidence in the product itself makes it easier to face the fear of growing, because I know what we’re sharing with women is worth it.
Laura Kosmorsky
Co-Founder, Tied Sunwear
Tackling Evolving Email Threats for Businesses
One of the biggest personal goals I’m working on right now is expanding EmailGuard’s reach to more small and mid-sized businesses. What makes it scary is how fast email threats keep evolving. Just when you think you’ve gotten ahead of phishing, cybercriminals find new ways to disguise attacks, and it can feel like a race that never ends. The uncertainty comes from knowing there’s no final finish line; attackers will always try something new.
What helps me push through that fear is focusing on people, not just the technology. When I sit with a client who’s just received a convincing fake invoice or a spoofed message from what looks like their own boss, we break it down step by step. I show them the subtle signs of fraud and put protections in place so it won’t happen again. Seeing their confidence grow reminds me why I do this; it’s not about beating every single threat, it’s about giving businesses peace of mind.
I also make a point of staying connected with other cybersecurity professionals and researchers. There’s no way to know everything alone, and sharing insights keeps me grounded and sharp. Even when the landscape feels overwhelming, having a community to learn from makes the challenge manageable. The fear is still there, but it pushes me to stay alert and keep improving. At the end of the day, if I can help businesses feel secure in how they communicate, then I know I’m moving in the right direction, even in the face of uncertainty.
Ben Rasmussen
Advisor, Email Guard
Scaling a Local Lawn Care Business
The goal that scares me the most right now is growing TurfPro beyond just being a local business into something bigger. When I’m the one showing up at a customer’s yard, I know the quality is there. I see the grass coming in fuller, I hear their feedback, and I know they feel taken care of. Expanding means I have to trust my team to carry that same level of care, and honestly, that’s not easy. What keeps me moving forward is putting real training in place and making sure every customer still feels like we’re personally invested in their lawn.
The nerves settle when I go back to the basics I’ve learned over the years. Sticking to the right fertilization schedule, mowing in patterns that encourage stronger growth, and using treatments that are safe for both kids and the environment—it all works. Hearing my team explain these same things to customers with confidence shows me we’re building something solid. Growth is uncomfortable, but so is a patchy lawn before it fills in. Just like grass needs steady care and patience to thrive, I’m learning that if I keep trusting the process and doing things the right way, the fear fades and the results speak for themselves.
Francis Daniels
Founder & CEO | Turfpro, Turf Pro
Conquering Long-Distance Triathlon Training Fears
The goal that unsettles me most is training for a long-distance triathlon. The scale of preparation, especially the open-water swim, pushes me far beyond what feels comfortable. Fear shows up in the unpredictability—currents, fatigue, and the sheer endurance required. I am working through it by breaking the training into smaller, measurable milestones. Each time I extend my swim by a few hundred meters or hold a steady pace longer on the bike, the challenge feels a little less overwhelming. Rather than trying to eliminate the fear, I focus on using it as a signal that growth is happening, reminding myself that the discomfort is proof I am building capacity for something once out of reach.
Rory Keel
Owner, Equipoise Coffee
Reimagining Dental Care for Anxious Patients
The personal goal I’m pursuing right now, and honestly, one that feels a little scary, is expanding Lumiere Dental Spa so I can reach more people who are nervous about going to the dentist. I know how common that fear is, and it’s a big responsibility to try and change the way people feel about dental care. My hope is to create a space where patients not only feel safe but actually enjoy coming in, and while that goal feels ambitious, it’s what drives me every day.
I also rely on the unique experience we’ve built at Lumiere Dental Spa, combining advanced technology with a calm, spa-like environment. Patients often say things like, “I never thought a dental visit could feel this relaxing,” and that feedback reassures me that we’re on the right path. It reminds me that dentistry can be about more than fixing teeth; it can be about restoring confidence and giving people a sense of ease. So even though expanding comes with uncertainty, I focus on the bigger vision: helping people feel proud of their smile while completely rethinking what a dental visit feels like. When I hold onto that, the fear becomes fuel to keep moving forward.
Neda Hovaizi
Business Owner & Dentist, Lumiere Dental Spa
Venturing into Boutique Commercial Real Estate
The goal that scares me most right now is expanding into boutique commercial developments. I’ve built my career in Boston around high-end residential properties, but stepping into commercial work feels like starting fresh in some ways. The stakes are higher, the regulations are tougher, and the needs of businesses are very different from families buying a brownstone in Beacon Hill or a condo on the North Shore. It’s exciting, but the fear comes from knowing every decision has to balance vision, financial return, and the unique character of the city. What makes me nervous is how differently commercial clients think. A family buying a home might fall in love with a fireplace or historic detail, but a business leasing office space is looking at foot traffic, efficiency, and growth potential. Learning to adapt to that perspective has meant asking more questions, leaning on local experts in zoning and development, and reminding myself that it’s okay not to have every answer right away.
I’ve faced similar fears before. Years ago, I worked with a client relocating from Europe who couldn’t imagine how a historic Beacon Hill property could feel modern enough for their lifestyle. By really listening and helping them see how Boston balances history with progress, I earned their trust and closed the deal. Remembering that experience reminds me that my strength lies in connecting people to the city in a way that feels personal and lasting. What keeps me moving forward is knowing these projects aren’t just about buildings; they’re about creating spaces that matter. A boutique office in Cambridge isn’t only square footage; it’s part of the neighborhood’s rhythm. Thinking about it that way helps me push through the uncertainty and focus on the bigger picture: shaping places that reflect both Boston’s heritage and its future.
Yassien Youssef
Real Estate Investment and Development, Compass
Mastering Public Speaking on Industry Stages
A personal goal I’m currently pursuing that challenges me the most is public speaking on large industry stages. Even with years of experience, the idea of addressing hundreds of professionals—and knowing that every word is being scrutinized—naturally brings a level of fear and self-doubt.
To work through the uncertainty, I focus on preparation, practice, and perspective. I break down the presentation into smaller, manageable sections, rehearse repeatedly in front of trusted colleagues, and solicit feedback to refine both content and delivery. I also remind myself that nervousness is a sign that I care about doing well, and that authenticity often resonates more than perfection.
By leaning into the discomfort rather than avoiding it, I’ve found that each speaking engagement builds confidence and provides invaluable learning opportunities. The key lesson is that fear is not a barrier but a signal of growth—embracing it intentionally allows you to expand your capabilities and influence.
Andrew Izrailo
Senior Corporate and Fiduciary Manager, Astra Trust
Growing Insurance Business While Maintaining Connections
The personal goal that scares me most right now is expanding my business while still maintaining the personal touch that my clients rely on. Insurance can feel impersonal and complex, and I never want people to feel like they’re just a policy number. The fear is that as I grow, I might lose the one-on-one connection that helps people feel truly cared for.
What helps me push through that fear is reminding myself why I started. Not long ago, I worked with a first-time homebuyer who was completely stressed out by confusing online quotes. We sat down, went through everything together, and by the end, they felt confident and protected. That kind of moment grounds me—it shows that growth doesn’t have to mean losing the human side of what I do.
The uncertainty is still there, but I’ve learned to manage it by being transparent and keeping communication simple and clear. I always ask myself, “Will this make my clients feel more supported?” If the answer is yes, then I know I’m making the right call. At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just about building a bigger business. It’s about making sure more families, homeowners, and business owners feel secure and supported. The fear just reminds me how much this work matters, and that keeps me moving forward.
Patrick Ono
Insurance Expert, Patrick Ono Agency, a Farmers Insurance agent
Integrating Advanced Home Automation in NYC
The biggest goal I’m working toward right now is bringing more advanced home automation into both residential and commercial projects here in New York City. More and more of my clients want to control everything—lighting, temperature, and window shades—from a single system. Even though I’ve been in this business for nearly twenty years, taking on that level of integration can feel intimidating because it’s not just about making a room look beautiful anymore. It’s about making sure every detail works seamlessly, which leaves very little room for error.
To push through that fear, I’ve leaned heavily on partnerships with trusted brands like Lutron, Somfy, and Hunter Douglas. I still remember a project at the Plaza Hotel where we installed blackout shades that had to sync perfectly with the lighting system. The pressure was high, but once everything came together and the hotel staff saw how effortlessly it worked, the stress gave way to pride. Moments like that remind me why I can’t let uncertainty hold me back.
On the residential side, I recently worked with a young family in Manhattan who wanted elegant drapery in their loft but also needed privacy and convenience. We set up a motorized system so they could close every shade in their home with one voice command. Watching their kids laugh as they tested it out made me realize that what feels like a technical challenge on my end often turns into something joyful and practical for the people living with it.
Seema Thakkar
President, Vogue Window Fashion
Cultivating Optimism Amid Global Challenges
My most challenging personal goal is to maintain optimism in the face of global issues that often feel overwhelming. The concern is that hopelessness can weaken determination in all employees and make progress impossible for us. To address this, I make a conscious effort to look for signs of improvement and align with communities that believe in hope. These connections demonstrate that meaningful change is possible when individuals remain committed.
Isolation makes us think the worst, but having an optimistic mindset gains strength when supported collectively. By surrounding myself with voices of responsibility and innovation, I find steady reassurance that the effort is not mine alone. Optimism then becomes more than a personal stance for me. It transforms into a shared strength that fuels persistence. This perspective makes fear less of a burden and more of a guide that sharpens awareness and encourages courage.
Lord Robert Newborough
Founder/Owner, Rhug Wild Beauty
Launching a Venture Outside Familiar Territory
Launching a new business venture outside my familiar industry has been the most intimidating personal goal. The uncertainty of market response, financial risk, and potential failure creates constant tension. I work through this fear by breaking the project into manageable milestones, setting clear objectives for each stage, and continuously educating myself on the industry. Seeking feedback from mentors and peers provides perspective, turning uncertainty into actionable insight. Embracing small, deliberate steps rather than focusing on the end result reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Over time, this method transforms fear into motivation, allowing the challenge to become an opportunity for growth rather than a source of paralysis.
Ydette Macaraeg
Part-Time Marketing Coordinator, ERI Grants
Navigating Real Estate Investment Amid Uncertainty
I own a couple of real estate investment properties, and I have a goal to buy another property by the end of 2026 at the latest. I’m not exactly “scared” of this goal, but there is always a bit of uncertainty when it comes to real estate investing. Right now, there is volatility in the market and economy at large, and with that, it’s difficult to predict with certainty what home prices and mortgage rates will be in the coming months. So, I am doing my best to stay aware of how the market is changing.
Seamus Nally
CEO, TurboTenant
