An ancient survival mechanism
Fear is a defense mechanism inherited from our distant ancestors. In fact, psychiatrist Christophe André explains that fear is an emotion with an adaptive function 🤔. It allows us to detect danger and protect ourselves.
🦖 Back then, our ancestors had to navigate a hostile and unpredictable environment, so it was safer to stay in groups in familiar places.
Even though our current lives are radically different, we still carry this fear within us. Unfortunately, it is often blown out of proportion compared to the actual risks 😅!
Our choices affected by this fear
As I mentioned in the introduction, this fear has often paralyzed me in the past. There was no way I was going to step out of my comfort zone. I absolutely did not want to try new experiences. The result? I was still frustrated... I watched my dreams from afar, never daring to take the plunge 😔.
Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson confirms that the fear of the unknown prevents us from realizing our potential. Whether in our personal or professional lives, if we suffer from this fear, we will deprive ourselves of enriching opportunities, which will contribute to our unhappiness…
A Barrier to Innovation and Progress This fear can also have larger consequences 🤔. Indeed, on a societal level, the fear of the unknown prevents the adoption of new technologies and progress in general. A society that is afraid is a society that doesn’t question established paradigms and remains stuck in something that could be improved. |
Taming the unknown to thrive
American psychologist Brené Brown once said something I find very interesting:
Vulnerability requires the courage to be yourself and to show it.
Indeed, if we are afraid of the unknown, and it frustrates us, it’s often because we don’t dare to be ourselves. We must accept to step through the door of the "known" by embracing our vulnerability and truly following our desires. Yes, we will likely face obstacles when venturing into the unknown, but I assure you, there’s nothing insurmountable 💪.
Why am I so confident? Simply because I decided to free myself from my fears and anxiety to try the experiences I longed for. I bought a van, I moved to a different region, I travel alone, and I constantly meet new people – and oh my, it’s so enriching 🥺!
Of course, I didn’t do this overnight; it took me six years to come out of my shell, but I am so much happier now. Step by step, we need to tame the unknown, starting with small steps outside our comfort zone, and then moving on to bigger projects.
👉 Finally, there are people who love their comfort zone and are perfectly happy with it. It’s up to each person to decide what works best for them 😬!
The Editorial Opinion: Recognize these invisible barriers and break free from themThe fear of the unknown can be a real obstacle to our personal and professional growth. It pushes us to stay in our comfort zone, avoid risks, and ultimately, miss out on many opportunities and connections. But it is possible to overcome it, little by little, by allowing ourselves to explore new horizons. If you feel stuck because of this fear, remember that you are not alone. Taking care of your mental health is essential, and sometimes, the support of a psychologist can make a real difference. Don’t hesitate to seek help; it could be the first step toward a life free from these invisible barriers.
🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, and be happy... It starts here and now!
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