Fear is something we all carry, though it shows up differently for each of us. It can keep us safe, but it can also hold us back from opportunities, relationships, and growth. We asked some brilliant members of the community to share the one fear that has shaped their choices the most—and their answers reveal just how universal, yet deeply personal, our struggles with fear really are.

Sonya Coulson Rook

Without a doubt, fear of failure/ rejection is the one I struggle with most. When you take a risk, you have to put yourself in a vulnerable position, whether it’s emotionally, financially or physically. I tend to have a lot of anxiety which makes the prospect even more nerve wracking. Read More>>

Maureen Dunlap

Shyness and fear of not being liked. I am generally uncomfortable in large groups of people. In the corporate world I never wanted to be a manager and tell others what to do, Speaking in public is my worst nightmare. Even now I am trying to overcome it. Creating social media videos is crucial nowadays. I’ve been trying to feature myself in some of them. Read More>>

Kamini Wood

For a long time, the fear of not being enough held me back. I worried about disappointing others, falling short, or being judged if I were to show my true self. I hid behind perfectionism and people-pleasing, always chasing approval instead of trusting myself. But once I realized that fear wasn’t protecting me, it was keeping me small, I started making different choices. Read More>>