#60: Still Stuck in the Parking Lot? How to Shift from Fear to Leadership Momentum
What if your fear wasn’t a roadblock but a guide? Leaders who embrace curiosity over fear unlock their greatest breakthroughs. Discover how embracing curiosity can help mission-driven leaders turn fear into action and create lasting impact.
Shift 1: From Fear to Curiosity—Your Leadership Breakthrough Starts Here
Imagine sitting in a car parked in a lot. You’ve read the manual, watched videos on how to drive, and even practiced turning the wheel. But no matter how much you learn, you’ll never truly know how to drive until you leave the parking lot.
This is what fear feels like in leadership—staying parked because the road ahead seems uncertain. You want to move forward, but staying in the parking lot feels safer. Here’s the truth: you’ll never build the confidence to lead boldly if you don’t take the risk of putting the car in drive.
Fear is a natural part of leadership. It shows up in big moments, like presenting a bold new initiative to your board, and in quieter moments, like questioning whether you’re the right person to tackle a growing challenge. And in mission-driven work—whether in healthcare, government, or nonprofits—the stakes often feel higher.
But here’s the truth: fear isn’t the problem. Staying stuck in fear is.
The good news? You don’t have to eliminate fear to lead effectively. Instead, you can transform it into something powerful: curiosity.
Why Fear Holds Us Back
Fear is deeply rooted in our biology. When we perceive a threat—whether it’s a potential failure or a tough conversation—our brain’s amygdala triggers the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. While this response is useful in physical danger, it often holds leaders back in ways such as:
- Self-doubt. “What if I don’t have the answers?”
- Avoidance. “Maybe it’s better to wait for more certainty.”
- Overthinking. “What if this decision creates backlash?”
Fear narrows your focus and can lead to paralysis. It keeps you stuck in the parking lot, waiting for the perfect moment to move forward. But here’s the catch: there is no perfect moment.
Curiosity, on the other hand, invites you to take the first step out of “park.” When you shift to curiosity, your brain’s prefrontal cortex—responsible for problem-solving, creativity, and long-term thinking—takes the lead.
Successful Risk-Taking in Action
Let’s look at how leaders in mission-driven fields have leaned into curiosity to take risks that led to transformative change:
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha: Exposing the Flint Water Crisis
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician in Flint, Michigan, faced immense fear when she uncovered the dangerous lead levels in Flint’s water supply. Speaking out against powerful government and corporate entities could have jeopardized her career. But instead of letting fear silence her, she asked herself:
“What do the children of Flint need from me right now?”
“What’s the worst that could happen if I’m wrong—and what’s the cost if I stay silent?”
Her curiosity drove her to dig deeper into the data, collaborate with researchers, and advocate for Flint’s children. The risk paid off: her efforts brought national attention to the crisis, leading to policy changes and improved public health protections.
Lesson: Successful risk-taking begins with asking the right questions and focusing on the greater good.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Fighting for Gender Equality
Before becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg took bold risks by challenging gender discrimination through groundbreaking legal cases. In the 1970s, she argued six gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court, many in a legal system that didn’t view women’s equality as a priority.
For each case, she asked:
“How can I frame this argument to create lasting change?”
“What legal precedents can I set now for future generations?”
Her curiosity and strategic risk-taking laid the foundation for gender equality laws in the U.S.
Lesson: Risk-taking often involves stepping into discomfort to pave the way for systemic change.
Paul Farmer: Revolutionizing Global Health
Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners In Health, risked his reputation and career when he advocated for providing world-class healthcare to the poorest communities. Many doubted his vision, claiming the resources didn’t exist to treat diseases like TB and HIV in impoverished areas.
Instead of accepting these limits, Farmer asked:
“What if we reimagined what’s possible in global health?”
“Who can we partner with to make this happen?”
By taking the risk to challenge conventional thinking, Farmer and his team developed innovative healthcare solutions that now serve millions around the world.
Lesson: Reframing fear as curiosity can lead to breakthroughs that seem impossible at first.
For Leaders Who Feel Fear and Anxiety
For many leaders, fear doesn’t just show up as hesitation—it can feel like deep anxiety, especially when the stakes are high. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Here are three deeper strategies to address anxiety while shifting to curiosity:
1. Ground Yourself with Your Breath. Anxiety often speeds up your heart rate and breathing, keeping you in a heightened state of fear. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This calms your nervous system and helps you think clearly.
2. Reframe Your Physical Sensation. Anxiety and excitement feel very similar in the body—both can cause your heart to race and your palms to sweat. Instead of labeling the sensation as fear, tell yourself: “This is excitement. It means I care deeply about the impact of my work.”
3. Visualize a Positive Outcome. Close your eyes and picture yourself succeeding in the situation that’s causing anxiety. Imagine how it feels to lead with calm confidence. Visualization helps shift your focus from fear to possibility.
3 Steps to Shift from Fear to Curiosity
Here’s how to take meaningful action, even when fear shows up:
1. Name the Fear. Write down exactly what you’re afraid of. Often, just naming it takes away some of its power.
2. Ask a “What If?” Question. Turn fear-based thoughts into curiosity-based ones. For example:
“What if this becomes a turning point for my organization?”
“What can we learn if it doesn’t go as planned?”
3. Take One Small Step. Fear thrives on inaction. Choose one small, meaningful step you can take today. Action builds momentum, and momentum builds confidence.
Reflection: Where Are You Holding Back?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- What’s one fear that’s been holding you back as a leader?
- If you replaced fear with curiosity, what questions could you ask instead?
- What’s one small action you can take today to explore the possibilities?
A Powerful Reminder
As Tara Mohr, author of Playing Big, says:
“Fear often tells us to shrink, to play small, to avoid risk. But curiosity invites us to grow, to ask questions, and to imagine what’s possible.”
In mission-driven work, fear is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to define you. By choosing curiosity, you’ll not only lead with clarity but also inspire your team and community to embrace possibility over hesitation.
Call-to-Action
This week, try this:
- Write down one fear that’s been holding you back.
- Reframe it into a curiosity-based question.
- Use one of the deeper strategies—breathing, reframing, or visualization—if anxiety shows up.
Share this post with a fellow leader in healthcare, government, or nonprofit work who might feel stuck—and let me know: What’s one way you’ll replace fear with curiosity this week?
See you next Saturday for Shift 2: From Fixed to Growth. Until then, keep leading with purpose and remember: you’ll never build confidence if you stay parked—put the car in drive and let curiosity guide you forward.
Leave a spark wherever you go. ✨
Email: info@spirenzaconsulting.com
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