Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.

~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Image inspiration: Peakpx Courage Wallpaper

We often imagine fear as a loud, paralyzing force and courage as its bold, roaring counterpart. But in truth, neither fear nor courage always arrives with a roar.

Fear whispers. It slips in as hesitation, self-doubt, or the subtle urge to avoid. It says, “Stay safe. Don’t risk it.” Courage whispers, too. It is the steady breath before speaking up, the silent decision to show up despite trembling. Both are internal voices—one seeks protection, the other growth. Choosing courage over fear, not with noise but with resolve, is how we begin to lead from within.

Mary Anne Radmacher’s quote reminds us that courage is often quiet. And so is fear. I have seen it in therapy rooms, boardrooms, and moments of personal reckoning. A racing heart before a difficult conversation. A pause before a bold decision. The inner voice that asks, “Am I enough?” Fear does not always shout; it knocks gently. But when we answer with courage, transformation begins.

As a psychologist, I have come to understand fear not as an enemy, but as a messenger. It signals growth, change, and the edge of transformation. The question, therefore, is not whether fear will knock; it will. The question is: How will we respond?

The psychology behind fear is rooted in the brain’s alarm system, specifically the amygdala. It scans for danger and triggers fight-or-flight, freeze, or fawn responses. But in modern life, fear often misfires. We fear rejection, failure, visibility, and vulnerability; not because they threaten our survival, but because they challenge our identity and comfort. Fear thrives in ambiguity. When outcomes are uncertain, our minds fill the gaps with worst-case scenarios. It is not the situation itself, but our interpretation of it, that fuels anxiety.

In organizations, fear silently shapes decisions. Leaders fear failure, conflict, or loss of credibility. Teams fear speaking up or stepping outside the norm. In Ethiopia, where cultural norms emphasize harmony and deference, this is especially true, particularly for women in leadership. Yet, effective leaders are not fearless; they are fear-facing. They name fear, move through it, and foster psychological safety for others to do the same. Courage in leadership is not bravado; it is rather clarity, compassion, and action.

To answer fear’s knock, I guide clients through four steps:

1. Name the fear. Vague fear is paralyzing. Specific fear is manageable. Ask, “What exactly am I afraid of?” Naming it reduces its power and gives us a starting point.
2. Dialogue with it. Fear often rides on distorted thinking, such as catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, and assuming the worst. Ask, “Is this fear based on facts or assumptions?” Reframing shifts us from a reactive to a reflective state, regulating both body and emotion.
3. Respond with courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but movement in spite of it. Taking one step toward what we fear rewires the brain, proving that fear is survivable, and often, transformable.
4. Reflect and integrate. Ask, “What did I learn? How did I grow?” This builds resilience and prepares us for future challenges.

I have used these steps myself, facing difficult conversations, launching new initiatives, and navigating spiritual surrender. Each time, fear became a doorway to deeper leadership and trust.

Fear is not foreign. It walks into our offices, homes, and hearts, often uninvited, yet always bearing a message. I have counseled individuals to face imagined giants, coached leaders through transitions, guided couples through vulnerability, and helped organizations navigate change. Fear has been my companion, but never my master.

From a spiritual perspective, fear invites us to examine our attachments to control, certainty, and ego. It asks us to trust in ourselves, in others, in something greater. Sacred texts often remind us, “Do not be afraid,” not because fear is sinful, but because faith is stronger. When I face fear with spiritual grounding, I not only survive, but I also transform.

As Ethiopia welcomes the New Year in September, we celebrate the inauguration of the Grand Renaissance Dam, a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope. Despite internal conflict, external pressure, and economic strain, we chose to act with courage. The dam became a silver lining, reminding us that transformation is possible.

So, how will you face the year ahead? Whether in self-leadership, organizational leadership, community, or business, fear will knock. Do not hide. Do not slam the door. Open it. Ask what it is here to teach. Listen. And then step forward, not because you are unafraid, but because you are ready to transform.

With courage,

By Seble Hailu (Ph.D.)

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