Vol. III. 2019 Submited: Apr. 2019- Approved: Aug. 2019
John Maxwell Certified Trainer
This article by Therapon Archontous is being published posthumously as a tribute to his significant contributions to the field of applied psychology. The author completed this work shortly before his death.
We are all born without fears, but this changes soon after we take our first steps. Fears themselves are neither inherently good nor bad; they offer both advantages and disadvantages. Some fears we develop are essential for survival, such as the fear of fire or storms, which serve as inherited warning signs that every child quickly learns. As a result, people tend to develop fears based on their behaviour. As we grow older, our personality is shaped and evolves through our experiences, perceptions, and the expectations others have of us. Fear can serve as both a protective mechanism and a barrier to personal growth. This article dives into how the four DISC personality types—Dominant (D), Influencing (I), Steady (S), and Conscientious (C)—often develop specific fears that can impact how we communicate, make career choices, and build relationships. By looking at insights from recent research, we’ll explore practical ways to recognize and manage these fears, with a focus on building self-awareness and learning to adapt in different situations.
How can we face our fears and break free from the limits they sometimes place on us? Fears are a normal part of life, but they don’t have to control how we live or the choices we make. Whether they stem from past experiences, the expectations of others, or even our own insecurities, fears often stand in the way of our growth. According to the DISC model, each personality style is prone to a particular fear that can undermine confidence and well-being if left unchecked (Freedman, 2021). By identifying these core insecurities, we can take proactive steps to manage them. This article will look at simple, practical ways to understand and overcome fears so we can feel more confident and open to new possibilities. Facing our fears isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important steps we can take toward living a fuller, more authentic life.
The D personality type is someone you can always count on to get the job done. They are task-oriented and naturally driven to deliver results, both in their personal and professional lives. They consistently go the extra mile to achieve their goals, unless they feel taken for granted.
To overcome this fear, as challenging as it may be, take a step back and pause before moving forward. Pay closer attention to the situation at hand. If something appears to be a win-win scenario, give it a chance! When you see the potential for success, you won’t second-guess yourself, and you’ll have no trouble making a quick decision, after all, decisiveness is your defining strength as the most determined personality type.
The vibrant “I” personality type thrives on being the “center” of attention and flourishes when they feel liked and appreciated. However, they can become deeply upset when they sense rejection. The fear of not being liked is their greatest challenge, and sometimes they may say or do outrageous things simply to draw attention and regain admiration. They feel hurt when ignored in a conversation or left out of an invitation to a party. These individuals need to embrace the fact that not everyone will like them, and that’s okay! Taking time to step back and recharge is always an option and can help them regain their balance and confidence.
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The “S” personality type, which makes up the majority of the population, doesn’t adapt to change easily and needs time to prepare for it. Even small changes can feel overwhelming, triggering their greatest fear: the loss of security. However, it’s important for them to remember that change is the only constant in life. Learning to embrace change and realizing that it’s not always negative can make all the difference. Consider placing a reminder on your door that says, “When one door closes, another one opens,” to help internalize this mind-set. To ease the transition during periods of change and calm your fears, it can be helpful to plan a series of small steps ahead and always have a backup plan in place.
People with the “C” personality style are known for being perfectionists, striving to ensure that everything is done to the highest standard. They detest the idea of being wrong or even appearing to be wrong which is why they double- and triple-check every detail before presenting their work. Their biggest fear is receiving criticism after they’ve poured their best effort into something. To overcome this, try to keep in mind that “to err is human.” Even if you’re incredibly detailed, highly intelligent, and exceptionally precise, it doesn’t change the fact that you are human. Take a deep breath, give yourself permission to relax, and remember that mistakes are part of growth.
Whatever fears you may face, remember that the first step to overcoming them is to recognize and embrace what makes you afraid. By understanding and addressing your fears, you can grow stronger as a person and unlock your limitless potential. Fears can either protect us or hold us back, depending on how we understand and address them. By leveraging the DISC model, we become more aware of our natural inclinations and vulnerabilities, allowing us to confront limiting beliefs and behaviours. As Freedman (2021) points out, self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. By embracing fear rather than avoiding it, each of us can develop resilience and unlock our full potential. It’s important to remember that fear doesn’t have to be something negative, it can be a powerful teacher. Each time we face our fears, we move closer to becoming the best version of ourselves. So take that first step, acknowledge what frightens you, and use it as a stepping stone to reach your true potential.
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