Saying “yes, and” to fear
Humans are wired to fear uncertainty and the unknown, and we often avoid potential opportunities because they seem too risky or uncomfortable. We cling to familiar patterns even when they no longer serve us, worried about what might happen if we let go.
This week’s guest, Stephen Burt, suggests embracing uncertainty as a path to growth and creativity. By saying “yes, and” to our fears – acknowledging them while still moving forward – we can discover possibilities we might otherwise miss. This approach transforms fear from an obstacle into a doorway to new experiences.
Living in constant resistance to uncertainty constrains our potential and prevents us from using all that we have. We risk looking back with regret at opportunities not taken and parts of ourselves left unexplored.
So instead of automatically saying “no”, you might try saying “yes, and what might be possible here?”
This conversation will help you
- Learn how embracing uncertainty can transform fear into a catalyst for growth and creativity instead of an obstacle
- Discover practical techniques for saying “yes, and” to your fears while still moving forwards towards new possibilities
- Explore how improvisational thinking can help you respond authentically without self-censorship in both professional and personal situations
Highlights
- [00:11:22] How to listen
- [00:16:32] Self-leadership through curiosity
- [00:20:20] When to hold on, and when to let go
- [00:24:40] Being as much as you can
- [00:29:33] Discovering
- [00:38:20] When fear meets improv
- [00:46:27] What Fearless Forwarwd means to Stephen
- [00:48:17] Takeaways from Sally-Anne
Resources
