Issue 125: How To Make Decisions When Fear Is Loud
THE LEAP
BY QUANTUM ORANGE
GROW, EXPAND & EVOLVE
ISSUE 125 | HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS WHEN FEAR IS LOUD
Each week The (Quantum) Leap summarises a key aspect of success into what you need to Think, Feel and Do to create a personal shift.
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
~ Tony Robbins
THINK
Fear is not a great strategist. Yet for most people, it's the default ‘advisor’ when decisions are big.
We often think we’re being realistic when we make choices based on worry…
What if I fail?
What if they don’t approve?
What if I lose what I have?
Fear disguises itself as logic. But it’s not wisdom driving - it’s self-preservation.
The truth is: decisions made from fear rarely create growth. They shrink your life.
And there’s a reason for that - the brain is hardwired for survival. When faced with uncertainty, your amygdala (the fear centre) lights up like a Christmas tree. It wants you to stay put, conserve energy, and avoid risk.
But that biological programming doesn’t serve you when your goal is not just survival, but expansion.
When making decisions, ask yourself:
- Am I choosing this because it aligns with my values, or because it feels safest?
- If fear wasn’t in the room, what decision would I make?
- What would my future self thank me for?
Decision-making is not about avoiding fear - it’s about noting the emotions and making the best choice for you anyway.
Growth doesn’t come from avoiding discomfort. It comes from learning to walk through it.
FEEL
You’ll never be able to silence fear completely - but you can stop letting it take the lead.
Imagine fear like a small child in the backseat. It’s allowed to have a voice, but it doesn’t get to drive the car.
When you let fear dominate your decision-making, you’ll feel small, stuck, resentful, or numb. But when you decide from clarity and courage - even if there’s fear - you’ll feel a deep sense of integrity.
And that feeling? That’s called personal power.
Try this emotional check-in when you’re facing a big decision:
- Does this path feel heavy and constricted (fear)? Or open and energised (growth)?
- Am I trying to protect myself or express myself?
- Is this choice driven by avoiding pain or moving toward possibility?
There’s emotional wisdom in your body. Learn to trust its cues.
DO
If you’ve been making decisions out of fear, it’s time to try a new approach.
Here’s five strategies to help you start:
- Name the fear. Write it down. What exactly are you afraid will happen? Get specific - you can’t move through fear you haven’t identified.
- Get curious, not cautious. Ask, “What could go right?” Let your imagination serve your growth, not just your safety.
- Try the 10-10-10 rule. How will you feel about this decision in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years? This helps you zoom out and tap into your wiser self.
- Make a values-based decision. List your top three values. Does your choice align with them? Decisions grounded in values often feel harder in the moment, but are more satisfying long-term.
- Take one bold step. Don’t wait until fear goes away - take action with it present. Action creates momentum, and momentum silences doubt.
This week, identify one decision you’ve been putting off.
Ask yourself: am I choosing from fear or from growth?
Then take one bold step toward what expands you, not what protects you.
