Addressing Fear of the Undiscovered

Have you ever been afraid to try something new? The “something” can be as simple as an exotic (to you) food, an expensive yarn, a new programming language, or even visiting an area you have never seen. Through my life’s travels I have met people who are afraid of attempting anything new. They seemed to fit one of three profiles: lazy, ignorant, or unconfident.

Okay maybe “lazy” would be a bit harsh, but when a person will not make an effort because s/he does not feel like it is worth the energy to do so, I had to pop that reaction out of my mind.

So how do you address that fear after acknowledging it? Sometimes we need to step back, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that we are scared of what makes us feel out of our comfort zone. I have seen folks react negatively when other ethnic or social groups sit down next to them. I have witnessed old guards of industry say, “How dare they come into my world without my acknowledgement!” regarding up and coming newbies. I have also been on sides that were met with attack and negativity. Unfortunately such behavior never ceases in surprising me anymore. Sad, is it not?

In the technology world, I have seen changes quickly appear out of nowhere throughout the different areas I worked: medicine, financial, manufacturing, and software. What I learned in these fields is that you need to be prepared for downsizes and competition for your job. The first time I experienced a layoff, it shattered my self-esteem. I had to address not only what I felt, but take in all the various factors that lead to those of us who lost our positions. My reaction was that I would become fearful and would tiptoe on eggshells around everything. It soon became habits which affected further job choices in the technology industry.

When I left that world for the fiber realm, I had no idea what I would do. Was I scared? As my friends from Wisconsin would say, “You betcha!” I was terrified on whether I would find a career that did not involve designing fashionable patterns. But the key I had in my heart was that I was addressing my fear, and I would soon unlock the undiscovered world that brought me to my place today. =:8