What if Fear Wasn't the Enemy?

Can Fear Push us to Be Courageous?

August 4, 2025

Hey friend,

Let’s talk about something we all carry, some of us quietly, some of us constantly:

Fear. 

It shows up when we’re about to take a leap.

Or have a difficult conversation. Or try something new. Or risk being seen.

Fear isn’t weakness. It’s not irrational. It’s not even the problem.

Fear is an emotion, just like joy, anger, or sadness. It’s not there to stop you. It’s there to guide you.

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🧠 The Trick Is Not to Fight It

Here’s the paradox: The more you push fear away, the stronger it pushes back.

But when you pause, feel it, and acknowledge it, something amazing happens.

Fear softens. It stops screaming. It sits beside you instead of trying to drive you.

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Last year, I gave a TEDx talk on the idea of fear driving us to be more courageous. I think you might enjoy it! Can Fear Push us to Be Courageous?

A still from the audition I gave for the TEDx. A 2-minute synthesis of the idea I wanted to present!

👤 Fear in Your Own Life

You know that project you’ve been putting off? That conversation you’ve been avoiding? That version of yourself you’ve been scared to become?

That’s fear trying to protect you from risk. But it’s also holding you back from growth.

The goal isn’t to be fearless. It’s to be fear-aware and keep going anyway.

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🤐 Fear in Teams

How many meetings have you sat through where someone didn’t speak up because they were afraid?

Afraid of judgment. Afraid of being wrong. Afraid of rocking the boat.

And just like that…

Ideas die. Innovation stalls. Energy fades.

A team that doesn’t feel safe to express stays stuck.

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🏢 Fear in Businesses

The same goes for organizations.

Companies that fear failure avoid experimentation.

They build cultures of perfection over progress.

They miss the next wave because they’re too busy protecting the last one.

Fear can shut down creativity, curiosity, and courageous decision-making.

The most innovative businesses aren’t fearless. They’re brave.

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💬 Final Spark

What if fear was a doorway, not a dead end?

What if the next step isn’t about eliminating fear, but walking with it with more awareness, more honesty, and more courage?

Whether you’re an individual stuck in overthinking, a team struggling with silence, or a business craving innovation, let’s talk. 

I help people and teams dance with fear instead of being paralysed by it.

With calm and courage, 

Utkarsh (Coach | Courage Whisperer | Student of Fear)

PS - I had a deep and insightful conversation with Rashmir Balasubramaniam to explore the inner journey of self-discovery, burnout, and the transformative power of reconnecting with one’s inner child. Enjoy it on Spotify!