When was the last time you experienced fear? If you are honest with yourself, it was likely sometime earlier today.

Fear itself is not the enemy. In fact, it was designed to protect us. When our ancestors faced saber-toothed tigers, a healthy dose of fear was a very good thing. It heightened awareness and helped keep them alive.

Today we may not be running from predators, but there is still plenty that triggers fear and anxiety. Among the many fears people experience, two tend to dominate nearly everyone’s life: the fear of failure and the fear of rejection.

We weren’t born with either of these fears. Over time we learned that success brought rewards and acceptance, while failure often brought discomfort or embarrassment. As social beings who wanted to belong to the tribe, those lessons became deeply ingrained.

Because our brains are wired to protect us, these fears can begin to dictate our behavior. They whisper warnings that encourage us to stay safe, avoid risk, and remain inside our comfort zone.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The fears may always be present, but courage is the decision to act in spite of them.

We can choose to take reasonable risks and accept the possibility of failure, knowing that growth often comes through the attempt. We can also choose to believe that we are enough and act according to our values and convictions rather than being controlled by outside pressures.

Leadership requires this kind of courage. Leaders must sometimes take prudent risks and stand firm in the face of disagreement when they believe something is right. And if they later discover they were wrong, they must also have the humility and strength to admit the mistake and change course.

After all, it is much easier to adjust the course of a ship at sea than one stranded on a sandbar.

Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone and have the courage to try. We will not always succeed, but allowing fear to trap us guarantees that we never will.

Where can you grow your skills today?