Today I’m tackling a subject that I’ve had experience with, and think many of you probably have too, and that is – fear.
Have you ever found yourself hesitating to take that next crucial step in your career because you worried you weren’t good enough or didn’t have all the skills mastered? You’re definitely not alone.
Fear can be a powerful force, often lurking in the background and holding us back from pursuing the very opportunities we desire. It whispers doubts. It magnifies our insecurities. It can even paralyze us in our tracks.
But what if I told you that fear doesn’t have to be a stop sign? Instead, it can serve as a compass, guiding you toward growth and self-discovery. The world of HR requires us to push past our comfort zones, take risks, and embrace the possibility of failure.
Whether you’re just starting out in HR, feeling stuck in your current role, or looking to make that leap into the executive suite, stay tuned. Together, we’ll turn those fears into stepping stones for success and unlock your potential.
Are you ready to dive in and discover how to turn fear into fuel for your career? Let’s get started!
My dad was a minister and so we moved around a lot as I was growing up. There were pluses and minuses to always being the new girl in school. But one of the things that I adjusted accordingly was sports.
I gravitated towards individual sports, specifically track. Now I didn’t particularly enjoy running and I really wasn’t that good at it, but it was an individual sport which meant I didn’t have to try and break into an already established volleyball or basketball team.
And for the women listening, you know how clicky and mean girls can be in school. So I wanted to avoid all of that.
Our last move before I graduated high school was between my freshman and sophomore years. In the new school, I ended up making quite a few friends that were on the swim team. They encouraged me to join as well.
The team also needed a manager to record stats. So I agreed to be the manager and then said I would check out a few practices. No commitment.
I started swimming a few of the practice workouts with the team and the coach kept telling me what beautiful stroke technique I had and what potential he could see in me. I kept brushing it off and told my friends I just wanted to keep being the manager and not compete.
But do you know what it really was? Why I didn’t want to swim on the team and compete?
I didn’t know how to do a flip turn. If you’re not familiar with swimming, each time a swimmer gets to the end of the pool, they do a somersault underwater, push off the wall and continue swimming.
Now I can do somersaults all day long in the pool but the timing on when to kick your feet out to push off the wall takes some practice. And how close you get to the wall before you somersault takes some practice. And I was too embarrassed to try. I didn’t know how to do it and I didn’t want to be bad at it.
Are you afraid to try new things? Is being an HR Executive one of them?
As an adult now and looking back at the situation I realize, every single one of those girls had to learn how to do a flip turn at some point in their lives. And if I had asked, any one of my friends would’ve been more than happy to stay after practice and work with me to teach me how to do one.
But I was too afraid to ask for help. I thought that I was suppose to somehow miraculously be perfect at, or at least know how to do, flip turns on my very first day.
Do you hold yourself back because you are afraid that you won’t be good enough on the first try?
The Reality of Fear in Human Resources
Fear is a natural part of growth, yet it can paralyze us. When it comes to pursuing executive positions, especially in HR, many of us feel we need to have every skill mastered before we even take a step forward.
But here’s the truth: everyone starts somewhere. Just as I needed to learn how to flip turn, you may need to develop skills or gain confidence in areas you’re less familiar with.
Think about the executives you admire. I can assure you, they faced challenges and moments of insecurity. They likely struggled with imposter syndrome, just like many of us do. They might have hesitated to put themselves out there, fearing judgment or failure.
But what differentiates those who succeed is their willingness to take that first step, to ask for help, and to learn from each experience.
Embracing Your HR Professional Vulnerability
Being vulnerable can be daunting, but it’s also a strength. When you show your willingness to learn, you open doors to collaboration and support.
You invite others to share their journeys and strategies, and you create a network of allies who can uplift you. The act of asking for help or seeking mentorship can be transformative.
Imagine how it would feel to approach a colleague or a mentor and say, “I’m interested in taking my career to the next level, but I’m feeling a bit lost. Can you guide me?”
This vulnerability not only builds connections but also reinforces your commitment to growth.
Taking the Leap to an HR Executive
Now, let’s talk about the leap. Transitioning into an executive role often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. You might need to take on new responsibilities, lead projects, or even confront challenging situations.
The key is to view these experiences as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Instead of focusing on the fear of failing, shift your perspective to the excitement of learning. Each challenge you face is a chance to expand your skills and knowledge.
Just like mastering the flip turn, you won’t become an HR executive overnight. It’s a process filled with trial and error, and that’s perfectly okay.
I wish I could remember who I heard this quote from, because I would like to give them credit, but I once heard – “Be brave enough, to be bad at something.” How true is that?!
If we were simply brave enough to be bad at something – we actually wouldn’t be bad at it for nearly as long as we think.
My challenge for you this week is to take some time to do some reflection. What would you like to do in your career, and in life, but you’re afraid to try?
And then dream about what could be possible if you were brave enough to endure some discomfort while you figured out that new thing.
Remember, becoming an HR executive is not about being perfect from day one. It’s about embracing the journey, learning, and growing.
So, take a deep breath, dive in, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just like those flip turns in swimming, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
