Fear: Friend of Foe

Okay, real talk—have you ever felt your heart pounding before a big presentation? Or maybe your stomach did that weird flip when you were about to try something totally new? Yeah, that’s fear talking. But here’s the thing: fear isn’t always the bad guy. In fact, it can actually help us.
What Even Is Fear?
Fear is basically your brain’s built-in alarm system. When something feels scary or uncertain, your brain signals your body to be on high alert. Sometimes, this is super useful—like if a car is speeding toward you, fear kicks in so you can jump out of the way. But other times, fear makes us freeze up when we don’t need to—like when you wanna ask a question in class but feel too nervous.
Why Do We Get Scared?
Fear comes from this tiny part of our brain called the amygdala. Back in the day, it helped humans stay alive by keeping them away from danger. But now, most of our fears aren’t about survival—they’re about things like what other people think, failing at something, or stepping outside our comfort zones.
How to Make Fear Work for You
Instead of letting fear hold you back, you can actually use it to your advantage. Here’s how:
- Call It Out – When you feel fear creeping in, just acknowledge it. Like, “Okay, I’m nervous because this is new.” Saying it out loud makes it feel less overwhelming.
- Flip the Script – Instead of thinking, "What if I mess up?" try, "What if I crush it?" Your mindset can literally change everything.
- Do the Thing Anyway – Fear shrinks when you take action. Nervous about public speaking? Start practicing in front of a mirror. Scared to try out for a team? Just go for it—you never know what might happen.
You’re Braver Than You Think
Every time you push past fear, you get stronger. Even superheroes feel fear—they just don’t let it stop them. So next time you feel that nervous energy kicking in, remember: fear isn’t the enemy. It just means you’re about to do something awesome.








