Don’t Let Fear Drive Your Decisions
- Craig Law-Smith
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Did you know that research shows we spend over 50% of our waking hours in the Default Mode Network (DMN)—a mental state where we run on autopilot, guided by habitual thought patterns and emotions? When fear enters the equation, it hijacks our thinking, leading us to react rather than respond with clarity.
Fear in High-Stakes Moments
Imagine you’re about to pitch to a venture capitalist or present to a room full of executives. Your sympathetic nervous system kicks into overdrive—your heart races, your breathing becomes shallow, and adrenaline floods your system. Your pupils dilate, cortisol surges, and suddenly, your body is primed to fight, flee, or freeze—a 500-million-year-old survival mechanism designed for escaping predators on the savanna.
In this heightened state, fear takes the wheel. Instead of negotiating confidently, you accept a deal that costs you more equity than you intended. Instead of engaging in an honest conversation with executives, you sugarcoat the reality, missing a critical opportunity. Fear-based decisions often feel safe in the moment but cost us in the long run.
As Nelson Mandela wisely said:
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
Reclaim Control: Three Practical Steps
1. Name It to Tame It (Awareness & Labeling)
When fear arises, pause and identify it from a distance. Instead of saying, “I am afraid,” shift to “I am experiencing uncertainty, and that’s okay.” This small change activates the prefrontal cortex, allowing you to observe fear rather than be controlled by it.
2. Regulate Your Body First (Breathing & Physiology)
Fear manifests in the body, so calming the nervous system helps regain control. Try these:
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.
Physiological Sigh: Take a deep breath in, then a quick second inhale before a long, slow exhale. This naturally resets the nervous system.
Grounding Technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, 1 thing you taste—this shifts focus from fear to the present moment.
3. Take Action Despite Fear (Reframe & Move)
Fear shrinks when you take small, intentional steps:
Ask: “What’s one small action I can take right now?”
Reframe fear as fuel: Instead of “I’m nervous,” say “I’m energized and ready.”
Move your body: Stretch, walk, or even smile—physical actions signal safety to the brain.
Lead with Courage, Not Fear
Whether you’re navigating an uncertain business decision, competing in a high-stakes tennis match, or standing on the edge of an untouched powder run off-piste, remember: Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to dictate your actions.
Empower yourself. Take a breath. Make choices from a place of clarity—not fear.
Sign up here for more practical insights on conscious leadership with sustained peak performance.
Wave Coaching offers keynotes, workshops, and private 1:1 coaching, book to connect.
Commentaires