Fear Does Not Avoid Danger

I heard the saying "Fear does not avoid danger" in a Vogue World 2024 YouTube video I watched two days ago. It was said by a seamstress who, while shaking a beautiful beaded dress with unapologetic confidence, was asked if she worried about the beads or threads falling off. Her response, as simple as it was, has been stuck in my head ever since:

"Fear does not avoid danger."

Her comment was so casually delivered, yet it carried so much weight. Coming from someone society might view as just another worker bee in a hive of plenty, it felt even more profound. Fear is something that happens naturally—it’s instinctual and often uncontrollable. And yet, the reality is this: outcomes will happen no matter what. The only influence we have is the kind of outcome we create through our actions.

Here’s the thing: fear doesn’t stop bad things from happening. If anything, it often makes things worse. Fear narrows our thinking, makes us reactive instead of proactive, and limits our ability to make clear decisions. Scientifically speaking, fear activates survival instincts in the brain, focusing on immediate threats and shutting down creativity or long-term planning.

But no matter what we do, danger is always present. The risks may vary—comparing cliff jumping to lying in bed, for example—but the reality is that no situation is ever entirely risk-free. The difference isn’t whether danger exists; it’s how we choose to approach it.

Fear shouldn’t be the emotion that leads us. It should guide us, sure—help us stay aware and cautious—but it shouldn’t stop us from acting, taking risks, or pursuing growth.

So, to anyone who feels trapped by fear: don’t let it prevent you from living. Danger is inevitable, but fear doesn’t protect you from it. Instead, use fear as a tool for awareness, not a reason to hold back.

Fear should create awareness, not prevention.

So, what did I learn

• Fear is a natural response, but it doesn’t prevent danger—it only limits your perspective.

• Outcomes are inevitable; the only control we have is the type of outcome we influence.

• Fear narrows the mind and reduces creativity, making it harder to see opportunities for growth.

• Danger exists in every scenario; the key is to approach it with awareness, not avoidance.

• Fear should guide us to caution, not stop us from living fully.

Take the wins

• Embraced a long-time creative project I’ve been hesitant to start—fear took a back seat this time.

• Reached out to a mentor for guidance on a risky decision and gained clarity on my next steps.

• Set boundaries with my time, allowing me to focus on what truly matters without second-guessing myself.

Resource Recommendation

The Art of Fear by Kristen Ulmer

This book explores how to shift your relationship with fear, seeing it not as an enemy to overcome but as an ally to embrace. Kristen Ulmer, a former extreme skier, offers a unique perspective on why fear is essential for growth and how it can empower us to take bold action.

Let’s get DEEP

What would you do differently today if you weren’t afraid of failure or judgment?

A: Become a content creator, posting videos of myself more on social media to try and become a brand ambassador, in hope of getting LOTS of free stuff.

Your turn.