Is your 'sound logic' actually whispering fear?

September 3, 2025

Most people think fear looks like panic attacks, tears, and sleepless nights. But the truth? Fear often talks to us in the voice of calm, polished logic.

It sounds like this:

“Times are uncertain. Let me wait it out.”
“The economy’s unstable. I should wait until things settle down.”
“I just need one more qualification, then I’ll go for it.”
“I’m just being practical.”
“I need to think it through thoroughly. It's important to weigh all the pros and cons.”

Sounds clever. Responsible. Rational. But in fact these thoughts often lead to… nothing. No action. No change. Ideas that never see the light of day.

But why?

Because fear often dons the mask of common sense. It pretends to be the sensible adult in the room, but beneath that mask is something else entirely:

Fear of losing control.
Fear of making a mistake.
Fear of criticism.
Fear of being vulnerable.

𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦

One of my clients - let’s call her Anna - was a brilliant senior marketing executive. Analytical to the core. Her life could be mapped out like an Excel spreadsheet, with neat columns of pluses and minuses for every decision.

Anna wanted to make a drastic career change. She’d analysed everything. Six months ago, she told herself she couldn’t quit because she was paying off the mortgage. Two years ago, she couldn’t quit because she was planning to move in with her partner. Now, they were getting married - which, of course, required money. So… now surely wasn’t the best time to leave her well-paid but soul-crushing job.

Every reason perfectly logical. Every excuse, impeccably sensible.

But here’s the truth: there is no such thing as the perfect time.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫

There’s a simple test:

If you analyse different scenarios, make plans A, B, and C and then take action → That’s reasoning.
If you analyse, contemplate, overthink, and… do nothing → That’s fear.

If your endless deliberations leave you stuck, it’s not strategic thinking. It’s self-sabotage disguised as rationality.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐈𝐭

Name the voice. Notice when “logic” is actually fear in disguise. Awareness is your first weapon.
Separate facts from “what ifs.” Fact: This job makes me miserable. What if: If I quit, I'll be jobless.
Stop chasing job security. There is no such thing as job security anymore. Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience are the new safety nets.
Ask yourself the big question: If you knew you would succeed, if you knew you’d get everything you’re trying to achieve - what would you do today?

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

For one week, track your self-limiting thoughts. Every time you hear them, reframe them as if you were fearless and full of self-belief.

Example: “I want to create my portfolio website. I need nice photos of my work and a proper template. Or maybe I should wait until I have a few more finished projects. I’ll do it once I have more samples to showcase, I want everything to look perfect.”

Reframe it: “I want my portfolio out there - it’ll help me attract more clients. It won’t be perfect straight away, and that’s fine. I’ll upload the projects I have now and improve the site as I go. I can set aside 2 hours this weekend to get a basic version live. It's not going to be perfect, but hey, progress over perfection.”

The difference? One keeps you frozen. The other moves you forward.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫

If you find yourself over-analysing, weighing every pro and con, writing plans and doing… nothing - fear is quietly running the show.

And as long as fear’s in the driver’s seat, every plan will feel risky, every dream will seem silly, and you’ll never feel ready.

So - what would you do if you weren’t afraid?

Good luck. You’ve got this.