Do you remember Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous line, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”? Spoken on March 4, 1933, as the U.S. teetered on the brink of the Great Depression, FDR urged the nation to face hardship with courage rather than paralysis. Today, that wisdom still rings true—especially when you’re on the cusp of a career or business expansion.
Over decades of guiding sensitive, purpose-driven clients (and wrestling with my own growth edges), I’ve discovered that fear isn’t the enemy. It’s more like a furry godmother—lovable, prickly, and sometimes a little clingy. Fear points out what really matters, highlights the risks, and reminds us to gather our resources before taking a leap.
Why Fear Feels Overwhelming
- Threat Amplification: Anxiety tends to blow potential dangers out of proportion while minimizing our strengths and support systems. It overestimates the threat, and underestimates the resources available.
- Comfort Zone Anchor: We humans crave stability. Even when your current situation isn’t perfect, it’s at least known.
- Real Risks Exist: Mortgage payments, family responsibilities, and financial security are valid concerns. Fear is simply part of you doing its job.
Listening to fear can spark valuable questions: What resources do I need? Where might I need more support? But letting fear “drive the car” will leave you stuck, spinning your wheels.
Dance with Your Furry Godmother
- Observe: Name the fear—what exactly is it warning you about?
- Reframe: Remind yourself of past successes. What strengths and wisdom do you already carry?
- Gather: List the tools, people, and knowledge you need to move forward safely.
- Partner: Invite fear along as a guide, not the pilot. Let it whisper suggestions, but you take the wheel.
In my own journey—balancing coaching, energy healing, and ongoing trainings—I’ve heard fear’s voice say, “You’ll never manage all this.” But each time I leaned into curiosity and took small, supported actions, fear softened.
The Three Phases of Radiant Work
Drawing on our Radiant Work framework, every expansion unfolds in three phases. Recognizing where you are helps you use the right tools (and tame that furry godmother) at each step. It helps you face hardship with courage smoothly.
- Breakthrough Insight
Facing the call for change. You notice burnout, drains at work, or unrealized gifts. In coaching, that sacred container unleashes fresh perspectives and powerful aha moments. - Activate Clarity & Vision
Dreaming with intentionality. You flesh out your vision and name the fears holding you back. Here, we share antidotes—practical tools and energetic practices—to build confidence. - Empowered Action
Taking courageous steps. With strategy and support, you pilot your transition. You’ll often discover hidden pockets of joy in your existing work, allowing you to amplify what’s already working.
Ready to Befriend Fear—and Grow?
Fear can stop you in your tracks—or it can become the spark that lights your next big breakthrough.
For a limited time, I’m offering a discounted single session Radiant Work Power Pivot—a deep-dive strategy call designed to:
- Get a compassionate reality check on your current situation – what’s working, what’s draining you
- Shift from anxious circling thoughts or confusion to clear solutions and actions
- Map out three immediate actions to ignite momentum
Claim your spot—only 3 discounted sessions remain before June 30. Email me at soulbizsavvy at gmail.com or text me 303 501 7402. You can also book a complimentary consult before 6/30 here.
Let’s turn fear into your fiercest ally on the path to radiant, soul-aligned work. Face hardship with courage, before that hump to aligned action gets steeper.
Learn more about the three phases of Radiant Work Coaching.
See what is included with your Radiant Work Power Pivot session.
Recent client success:
Denise’s questions led to such insights for me. I was truly feeling my passion for work returning! I wasn’t expecting this at all.
I was feeling pretty burned out and static at work. I wasn’t sure if I needed to think about a new job or if there was a way to re-ignite my fire. I was hoping to figure out my next steps and afraid that I might have to make a drastic change. I was worried about security, but excited to move forward no matter what I learned.
Looking at how my primary and secondary Sparktypes interacted was so powerful. My primary Sparketype was to be expected but my secondary was an interesting surprise! My love of learning and synthesizing information is in service to helping others grow and learn. Unpacking the Sparketype info is super fun!
I spent the week after the session noticing how my work was energizing my primary as well as my secondary Sparketypes! I started to feel more energized by paying close attention to how I am able to help others grow and develop while taking deep dives myself into research and learning areas for the team.
Radiant Work Coaching is ideal for anyone who is interested in a new way of looking at themselves and wanting to get clarity about how their work feeds them or drains them. The test gives you the basics, and the report goes into detail but Denise’s questions led to such insights for me. I was truly feeling my passion for work returning! I wasn’t expecting this at all.
On the 1-10 scale, with 10 as awesome, I would give this a 10! I went from “Urgh to Awwwe!”. Truly an inspiring program and an amazing experience!
– Karen D.
Team Manager, Seattle
Denise Barnes, Radiant Work Coach