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Unlike traditional methods to overcome fear of change, I believe harnessing your ability to imagine 'what ifs' is crucial for making significant career shifts, life changes and driving innovation.
Fear is a dream killer:
Why have so many of us hesitated to pursue our professional aspirations? Why do companies struggle to innovate and stand out? The main reason is often fear—fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of leaving our comfort zones—which holds back personal and professional growth. For individuals considering a career change, fear may show up as uncertainty about the future, worry about others' opinions, concerns about finances, or fears about how the change will impact lifestyle and relationships. Similarly, in less innovative companies or among employees lacking creativity, fear can block new ideas and hinder innovation. Employees may fear consequences for suggesting new ideas or taking risks, leading to conformity and stagnation within organisations. Companies might avoid risks or new initiatives due to concerns about financial loss or damaging their brand.
The key lies in your ability to imagine:
While I could share common 'tips to overcome your fear of failure'—like building resilience and trying new experiences—my approach is different. I believe the real breakthrough lies in our capacity to imagine and visualise a positive future and outcome. Would you take a sunny holiday if you couldn’t imagine the relaxation, warmth of the sun, and joy of seeing beautiful sights? Conversely, you might stay home if you feared not enjoying it, getting sick, or feeling lonely. How you imagine your 'what ifs' shapes your vision and actions.
Barriers that hinder your ability to imagine:
Aphantasia: Some individuals can't visualise images due to a condition called Aphantasia.
Negative bias: Fear of the future and pessimism can block positive imagination. We often excel at imagining worst-case scenarios, like health decline or financial setbacks, which limits envisioning a brighter future.
Screen time: Too much screen time can overstimulate the brain and reduce daydreaming, crucial for imagination.
Self-criticism: Self-doubt and insecurity can stifle positive imagination.
How to make it happen:
So, how can you tap into your imagination to make meaningful career shifts? Here are some strategies:
Try online visualisation exercises (e.g., 'Visualising Your Future Self' by Tara Mohr) and address fears with a coach or mentor.
Surround yourself with inspiring people who ignite creativity.
Learn and practice mental imagery to visualise goals (explore our Ateliers Imagery).
Notice when ideas emerge during daily activities or brainstorming sessions.
Engage in joyful activities like nature walks, creative hobbies, or time with loved ones. Seek new experiences and diverse perspectives to stimulate imagination.
Practice meditation or mindfulness to calm the mind and foster creativity.
Embrace failure: It's part of success. As Jordan once said, 'I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career...that's why I succeed.'
Dare to dream:
Fear may be tough, but with imagination, you can overcome it and achieve your dreams. So, dare to dream, visualise your goals, and take the first step toward the career and future you envision. Your imagination sets the limit on what you can achieve.
Marie Uhart is a professional career coach and the founder of FUSE Coaching & Consulting. When she's not coaching MBA students at Cambridge University or guiding professionals in their career growth, she dedicates her time to developing her latest hybrid concept, Ateliers Imagery - a mind-body immersive experience she delivers at companies, seminars, and fitness clubs/events, helping people learn powerful visualisation and self-coaching techniques to enhance their performance and overall well-being. Schedule a free no-obligation exploratory chat with Marie
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