Ep 114 Career: Overcoming fear and self-doubt

Show notes

Welcome to the 114th episode of The Crazy One Podcast. I’m your host, Stephen Gates. This show is where we talk about creativity, leadership, design, and everything else that empowers creative people.

You can find all episodes and show notes at thecrazyone.com — that’s “the crazy” and the number one dot com. Subscribe to get the latest episodes and please leave a quick review—it helps others discover the show. Also, check out The Crazy One on YouTube for career coaching, tutorials, masterclasses, and more: thecrazyone.com/youtube.

Coming Back from Hiatus

It’s been a while—thanks for sticking around. After nearly five years of running the podcast, I needed a break. Starting a new job and navigating a tough year took its toll. But the time off gave me space to reflect and come up with new topics, so I’m finding my rhythm again and looking forward to sharing new episodes more regularly.

During the break, I spoke with friends, mentees, and colleagues. A common theme emerged: fear. Especially how it’s showing up more than ever due to the pandemic and remote work. Let’s dig into that today.

The Growth of Fear and Its Impact

Fear has always existed in creative careers, but the pandemic amplified it. Massive change can lead to growth, but it also causes deep-seated fear in individuals and organizations alike. It manifests in doubt, imposter syndrome, ineffectiveness, burnout, and toxic politics. So why don’t we talk about it more?

Because it’s hard to admit when we’re struggling—especially in a disconnected, social media-driven world. We feel stuck and uncertain, and fear thrives in that silence.

Fear’s Root Causes

Fear usually results from a breakdown in confidence or trust. It can hit you at any career stage, not just early on. There’s a false belief that seniority brings certainty. In reality, as you grow in your career, problems become more complex and the support system shrinks.

Remote work removes essential context—we can’t observe body language or have hallway chats. Zoom calls create performances, not connections. That absence of real interaction fuels doubt, which becomes uncertainty, imposter syndrome, and ultimately, fear.

Six Manifestations of Fear

Understanding your fear is step one. Through coaching and conversations, I’ve identified six common types:

1. Fear of Being an Imposter

   • Everyone experiences this. Fear of being exposed as a fraud holds us back. Instead of imagining others’ judgment, try it and see what actually happens.

    

2. Fear of Failure

   • Creativity isn’t about absolutes. It’s a process. Mistakes don’t equal failure unless you give up. Keep learning and keep going.

    

3. Fear of Criticism

   • Learn to reframe criticism as feedback. It’s not a verdict—it’s a conversation. Use it as fuel for improvement.

    

4. Fear of Hard Conversations

   • These are tough but necessary. Ground your views in research and feedback to avoid emotion-driven decisions. Being honest and human builds respect.

    

5. Fear of Taking Responsibility

   • Many want to be accountable but freeze in the moment. Build support systems and find accountability partners to help you rise to the challenge.

    

6. Fear of Not Achieving Anything

   • The fear that we won’t accomplish what we dream of can paralyze us. Don’t let distractions and external factors control your focus. Look inward first.

    

Self-Reflection Triggers Fear Too

Some common inner beliefs that feed fear:

• Believing You’re in Total Control

  • Control is an illusion. Focus on what you can influence.

   

• Believing You Must Do It Alone

  • Self-help can’t replace human support. Find your team, mentors, and peers.

   

• Feeling Like You Don’t Have Enough Time

  • Prioritize three key things each week. Focus clears fear.

   

• Ignoring Problems

  • Problems ignored only grow bigger. Face them head-on.

   

• Thinking You Know Best

  • Ask more questions. Stay curious. Embrace humility.

   

• Letting Ego Override Vulnerability

  • Vulnerability is strength. The best leaders are honest, human, and relatable.

   

Rewriting the Invisible Script

Many fears stem from societal scripts and expectations. Be the person you want to be—not the version others expect. Recognize that your fears might be rooted in stories you’ve told yourself.

Even so, some external challenges are real. But start by distinguishing what’s real and what’s projected. Try something. Share something. Take a step. You’ll often find you’re not alone.

Final Thoughts

Getting comfortable being uncomfortable is key. Growth lives on the other side of fear. Whether it’s mentoring others or talking through your doubts, don’t go through it alone.

Fear doesn’t disappear—but you can learn to work with it. And remember:

Success only exists in hindsight.

During the journey, it rarely feels like success. Push through the fear. Validate yourself. Trust your instincts. And if you need someone to talk to, reach out. That simple act can make all the difference.

Stay Connected

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Legal reminder: All views are mine alone and do not represent current or former employers.

Thanks for your time—truly the only real luxury any of us have. Especially on an episode like this, the gratitude is even deeper.

As always—stay crazy.

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