Previously when we covered anxiety spectrum disorder, we focused on the dysfunctionality caused by excessive fear and nervousness.

In this part we will focus how in some individuals, fear is a regular emotional experience that can often affect the confidence and courage towards progression or to do something out of their comfort zones.

Many of us might perceive a person who is shy/reserved as someone with confidence issues, and a person who is outgoing/extroverted as courageous. But a person who is introverted/shy can be confident and open to explore experiences outside their comfort zone to take on new challenges. Whereas an outgoing/extroverted person may feel low confidence and apprehensive to do anything outside of their comfort zones. So, what we see on the outside is not necessarily what goes on inside.

In general, even a confident person in an inexperienced or unthoughtful situation may feel fearful leading to giving up of opportunities or ineffectiveness in solving an issue.

For example, a promotion in each rank, especially at the leadership level, where the role demands more independent decision-making and taking maximum accountability. This may result in initial inhibitions or challenging contracts for the first few times. Even a well mentored and mentally prepared person may find themselves in the wrong shoes -dealing with colleagues who drain you emotionally or blows your mistakes and shortcomings out of proportion, showcasing toxic behavior patterns etc. This can have an undesirable effect causing low confidence or feeling fearful.

Some fear is good (as it challenges yourself), but fear that stops you from progressing or being effective needs to be worked upon. Even if the fear is not causing severe dysfunctionality or clinical in nature. The courage and confidence to deal with challenging people, situations and opportunities has its way of overcoming the fear and nervousness we experience time and time again, as long as you will or make a conscious effort for it.

How do we work on being confident or overcoming fear?

Confidence is dynamic; it depends on many elements around it. Even the wealthiest person, business tycoon or the Prime Minister of various nations may feel low confidence in many situations. It is simply a decision between going for it or giving up.

For example, with the advent of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), the older generation (senior rank officers) had their share of difficulties adapting to the new technology. Many of them still feel connected to paper charts, but still, they worked through it. Many of them might not be the experts in ECDIS but now have a better grip of it.

So, here are some tips on how you can regain the confidence needed to face your fears:

  • Recognise the fear area and the available resources within (internal) your circle to deal with it.
  • Cash in on your strengths to work on your limitations and get a better grip.
  • Draw up a plan to overcome fears and work on requisite changes daily. One step at a time – 10 to 15 mins investment a day.
  • Reviewing the plans periodically to ensure you are moving in the desired direction.


Remember that the best work that you do today, you were once new to it. You reached the best stage with continual efforts, guidance, and willingness to become the best in it.

If you ever feel you need a listening ear to help you cope with the fear, please do not hesitate to reach out to our in-house counsellor, Ms. Harshali Kotekar.