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.
Ivanea Lanza
The fear that has held me back the most is the voice of my own self-doubt—what many call impostor syndrome. Countless times, it told me I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t deserve success, and that I couldn’t achieve my dreams. Learning to recognize that fear, challenge it, and keep moving forward has been one of the most powerful lessons in my journey. Read more>>
Michael Jacobs
Most of the fear that held me back early in my career was rooted in anxiety—specifically, the fear of not being good enough to stand among the best. I had the privilege and pressure of working under several well-known and highly regarded Michelin-starred chefs. Their kitchens were high-stakes environments where expectations were relentless, and even small mistakes could feel like monumental failures. Read more>>
Christopher Dean
I used to fear what people would say or think. It held me back more times than I can count. But once I stopped caring, I realized that most people wish they had that same freedom. A lot of judgment comes from insecurity—people project their fears onto you. I had to learn not to let their fear speak for me. Read more>>
Sofia Daguano
The fear of not succeeding. I can’t count how many opportunities I’ve missed in life simply because I assumed they wouldn’t work out, even before trying. I won’t say that fear is completely gone, but today I’ve learned to manage it better. Read more>>
