Step Into The Unknown

Step Into The Unknown: Embrace the Fear and Discover the Treasures of Life

Most of the time, we’re afraid to step into the unknown because we don’t know what’s on the other side. It’s human nature to crave certainty and control, but life is rarely predictable. The feeling of uncertainty we experience when facing the unknown can be daunting and paralyzing. However, in my journey, I’ve discovered that the best experiences in life often lie beyond the edge of that discomfort.

Everything you want is on the other side of fear. If you don’t step in, not only will you miss out on those extraordinary experiences, but you risk missing out on life itself. Stepping into the unknown requires courage, but it’s also where growth, transformation, and success live.

Take the example of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She famously said, “I didn’t know how to run a business, but I didn’t let that stop me.” Blakely stepped into the unknown with nothing but an idea for better shapewear. Despite not having experience or certainty, she took the leap—and today, she’s a self-made billionaire. Her success story reminds us that the willingness to face uncertainty can yield unexpected and life-changing results. As Blakely says, “Don’t be afraid of failure. Don’t be afraid of not knowing how to do something.”

Similarly, during the pandemic, many professionals faced unprecedented uncertainty. However, those willing to adapt to the new reality found creative ways to thrive. Optometry practices, for example, had to shift from traditional in-person appointments to telehealth services, a step into uncharted territory for many. While daunting at first, the result was a more resilient business model, capable of serving patients in ways never imagined before.

Here are three tips to help you overcome the fear of the unknown and take that leap.

1. Embrace the Fact That You Can’t Control Everything

We all like to be in control. People who feel like they’re at the mercy of their surroundings often struggle to achieve their goals. However, the desire for control can also backfire. When we see everything we can’t control as a potential failure, we become paralyzed, afraid to take the next step.

In reality, the only thing you can truly control is the choices you make. The outcomes? Not always. When you’re afraid to step into the unknown, admit what you don’t know but move forward based on what you do know. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step,” as Martin Luther King Jr. once said.

Take Dr. Rachel, an optometrist who recently opened her own practice. Despite not knowing how the venture would unfold, she took the leap. Along the way, she faced challenges she couldn’t have predicted—insurance complications, patient no-shows, and even staffing issues—but she also experienced rewards that made the risk worth it. She discovered that embracing uncertainty not only led to professional growth but also strengthened her resilience.

2. Focus on What Matters

When making decisions, uncertainty is inevitable, especially in business. However, not all uncertainties are created equal. Some choices carry more weight than others. Learning to prioritize your decisions and focus on what matters most will allow you to step into the unknown with more clarity and confidence.

Steve Jobs once said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” This principle is key when managing the inevitable ambiguity of life. By focusing your energy on high-impact decisions and letting go of small, trivial worries, you free yourself to move forward with purpose.

In your practice, this might look like focusing on patient care and staff development rather than getting bogged down by smaller, less important distractions. By making sure that your energy is spent on what truly matters, you’ll feel more empowered when stepping into new territory.

3. Embrace the Possibility of Setbacks

Often, what holds us back from stepping into the unknown is the fear of failure. But if you remove the idea of failure and instead view setbacks as opportunities for learning, there’s always a positive outcome in every challenge. Every setback is a stepping stone toward a stronger, more knowledgeable version of yourself.

Think of Thomas Edison, who famously failed thousands of times before successfully inventing the lightbulb. When asked about his repeated failures, Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” He embraced the possibility of setbacks, understanding that each attempt brought him closer to success.

Similarly, in your professional life, you will encounter setbacks. Maybe a new treatment you’ve introduced doesn’t go as planned, or a business decision doesn’t yield immediate results. But every experience offers valuable lessons. Growth is a process, not a destination. If you take the leap into the unknown, you may stumble, but you will also learn, adapt, and improve.

Take the Leap—Your Future Awaits

Today, I encourage you to step into the unknown, even if you’re afraid. Whether it’s expanding your practice, embracing new technology, or simply changing the way you approach patient care, the unknown holds all the treasures of life. As author Joseph Campbell said, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

If you’ve found this article inspiring, leave a comment below! I’d love to hear about your experiences with stepping into the unknown.

Why Join the Optometry Divas Community?

As optometrists, we constantly face the unknown—new patients, emerging technologies, and the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. But together, we can navigate these challenges with confidence and courage. Join the Optometry Divas community to connect with like-minded women who embrace the uncertainty of life and business. Through collaboration and support, we can step into the unknown and find success on the other side.