Everything you want is on the other side of your fears.
Your ideal clients, those big juicy projects, increasing profits, industry recognition, freedom from self-sacrifice – it’s all waiting for you. But it’s parked behind that wall of fear, and overcoming fear for design success is the key to taking that wall down. Let’s talk about how to unpack, unravel, and even eliminate those fears so you can step forward with wisdom, confidence, and powerful clarity.
Episode Highlights
- 06:32 Recognize Fear as a Sign
- 12:15 Embrace Vulnerability
- 25:02 Practice Mindfulness
- 30:27 Harness Fear as Fuel
- 50:35 Transform Fear into Gratitude
When you feel fear, start by asking yourself:
- What am I most afraid of in my business?
- What is the worst that can happen?
- What is the best possible outcome?
- Am I afraid of failure, or am I actually afraid of success?
- What is the price of success? What is the reward in failure?
Most designers I coach aren’t afraid of failing. You’ve been there, done that. What really keeps you up at night is the fear of success. Success can feel like uncharted territory – bigger, unknown, and harder to control. But let’s get clear: success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your time, family, health, or happiness.
Let’s dive into these powerful stretches that will transform the way you work and feel about your business!
#1 Recognize Your Fear as an Ally vs. an Adversary
Fear isn’t your enemy. It’s actually your greatest guide. When fear bubbles up, it’s pointing out the areas of your business that need attention, growth, or a little shake-up. It’s your subconscious saying, “Hey, this part of your business? It’s ready for an upgrade.” Overcoming fear for design success means recognizing these moments as opportunities to grow and evolve.
Instead of letting fear sabotage you, let it inform you. Turn those triggers into triumphs. Every time I’ve allowed fear to stop me, it cost me more than just time – it cost me opportunities, peace, and growth.
#2 Uncover Your Strength in Vulnerability
I know how hard it can be to show vulnerability, especially in an industry where we’re expected to have all the answers and make everything look perfect. I was raised to believe vulnerability was a weakness. I wore independence like armor. But here’s the truth – vulnerability is the key to moving through your fears.
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you create space for authentic connections – with clients, team members, and yourself. Vulnerability opens doors to opportunities that wouldn’t exist if you stayed safely tucked behind the fear of being seen.
#3 Craft Your Unique Story, You’re the Only One Who Can
For too long, I let my life be written by the expectations of others. Whether it was family, colleagues, or the design industry itself, I defaulted to their narrative. But at some point, I realized that no one else could write the story I truly wanted to live.
Your business is your story. Stop letting old beliefs and experiences dictate your path. Take the pen back and write a chapter that reflects your desires, your goals, and your unique design vision.
#4 Practice Mindfulness (Even for Three Minutes)
If the word mindfulness makes your eyes glaze over, hear me out. This isn’t about meditating for hours. Just three minutes of quiet, focused awareness can shift everything.
Mindfulness allows you to observe fear without judgment. It pulls you out of reactive mode and into intentional action, which is essential for overcoming fear for design success. The very word “responsibility” means to “respond with ability.” But fear often makes us react with disability.
Sit quietly, breathe, and ask yourself: “What is my fear trying to tell me?” Even the act of acknowledging your fear is enough to loosen its grip.
#5 Leverage Your Fear as Fuel for Growth
Fear isn’t meant to paralyze you – it’s meant to propel you. When you use fear as fuel, it becomes the catalyst for growth, creativity, and bold action. Every project that felt just outside of your reach? That’s your sweet spot.
When you lean into fear, you move faster, dream bigger, and achieve more than you thought possible. Let your fear of staying small outweigh your fear of stepping up.
#6 Cultivate Your Growth Mindset to Diminish Fear
A growth mindset doesn’t see failure as final – it sees it as feedback. Every mistake or misstep is a lesson, not a setback. The only real failure is standing still, or in repeating the same mistakes over and over. (Think “Ground Hog Day” style.)
If you’re stuck in a cycle of pointing fingers at external factors, chances are you’re trapped in a fixed mindset. A growth mindset is where responsibility lives. It’s the difference between reacting and responding.
#7 Harness Your Fear to Ignite Your Creativity
Ever noticed that some of your most brilliant ideas come when you’re up against the wall? Fear creates tension, and tension is the birthplace of innovation. Constraints, challenges, and even failures force you to think outside the box. That’s when creativity flourishes.
#8 Allow Your Fears to Reflect What You Most Need to Know
Fear isn’t just a hurdle – it’s a mirror. It reflects what you value most. If you’re afraid of losing clients, it’s because you care deeply about your reputation. If you’re afraid of hiring a team, it’s because you value the integrity of your work.
When you look deeper into your fears, you uncover valuable insights about yourself and your business. Lean into those insights. They’re pointing you toward the areas where growth is not only possible but necessary.
#9 Share Your Fears to Feel Less Alone
Fear is a universal experience. Recognizing this can deepen your empathy and compassion. Building a community that shares vulnerabilities fosters connection and collective growth. Overcoming fear for design success often starts with acknowledging that others feel the same way. Notice how you feel when listening to a presentation in an audience of your peers and realize you all experience the same fears. Or when you’re at High Point Market and you connect with colleagues who share the same fears about growing their business. You’re never alone in your fears.
#10 Change Your Focus to Dissolve Fear
Gratitude dissolves fear. When you shift your focus from what could go wrong to what’s already right, fear starts to fade. Take a moment each day to acknowledge the wins – big or small. Gratitude puts everything into perspective and reminds you how far you’ve already come.
10. Office Redesign Stretch
Rearranging your workspace can transform your energy and efficiency. Whether it’s moving furniture, adding artwork, or investing in a standing desk, a fresh office setup can reignite your motivation. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that inspires productivity.
Key Takeaways
Design isn’t about the finished project – it’s about the process and the journey to achieve the transformation. The same goes for business. Fear teaches us to value the journey, to celebrate progress, and to enjoy the path we’re walking. Remember Dorothy and the yellow brick road, and the many fears she faced, (and the dear friends she made) only to find that she had the power all along. You do too.
Wherever you are right now, know that it’s exactly where you need to be. Every new level will come with new fears. And that’s a good thing. It means you’re growing. So, let’s keep moving forward – fear and all.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
