Fear vs. Stress: Why Successful Leaders Never Say They’re Scared

By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

Is fear quietly sabotaging your career or business? You might not even realize it’s happening. Fear doesn’t always show up as panic or dread—it often disguises itself as hesitation, second-guessing, procrastination, or the endless search for “perfect timing.” It whispers doubts into your decisions, slows your momentum, and convinces you to play it safe when bold action is exactly what’s needed.

If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, avoided risk even when the rewards were clear, or talked yourself out of opportunities because something “just didn’t feel right,” this insight is for you. You’re not weak—and you’re not alone. Even the most accomplished leaders face fear. The difference? They’ve learned to recognize it for what it is and manage it before it takes control.

Let’s pull back the curtain on what fear really looks like in your daily work… and how reframing fear as stress can unlock your next level of leadership.

The Truth About Fear in Business

I’ve launched several businesses. Some flopped. Some soared. From the outside, people tell me I seem fearless.
But here’s the truth: I feel fear, too. I just learned how to manage it. And so can you.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with top performers across industries—and here’s something fascinating:

Successful people don’t use the word “fear.”
They call it stress instead.

They’ll say, “I’m under a lot of stress” or “I’m stressed about this decision.”
They never say “I’m scared.”

And no, that’s not just an ego trick. It’s a deliberate mental shift.

Why Leaders Reframe Fear as Stress

Fear is emotional. Fear freezes you. Fear convinces you not to act.

But stress is something you manage. You problem-solve. You assess the facts. You weigh pros and cons. And then you move forward—even if it’s uncomfortable.

Great leaders aren’t fearless. They simply refuse to let fear dictate their actions. They choose to act through stress instead of freezing under fear.

Fear Tells Lies. Stress Promotes Growth.

Let’s break it down:

 

Fear whispers that you’re out of your depth.
Stress reminds you: You’ve faced worse. You’ve done the work. You can do this.

Let Go of the Fear That’s Holding You Back

Here’s a personal story.

My mom played golf every week even into her late 80;s. One day, her group got lessons from LPGA legend Nancy Lopez. Some women were so nervous, they could barely swing. One shanked a shot into the trees and was mortified.

Nancy calmly said:

“That shot is gone. You’ll never get it back. Reset and start the next hole with a fresh perspective—and a new score.”

That’s the leadership mindset. You’re allowed to make bad calls. You’re just not allowed to stay stuck in them.

So ask yourself:

• Is fear paralyzing your decision-making?

• Are past failures haunting your confidence?

• Are you calling it fear when it’s actually just pressure?

Don’t let fear become your identity. Call it stress—and deal with it like a leader.

Watch the Video: What’s the Difference Between Stress & Fear?

Want to hear more and reset your mindset? Watch the full video.

Click Here

Ready to Stop Leading from Fear?

Ross Shafer helps organizations and individuals transform fear into bold, calculated action. With over 1,700 keynotes delivered across every industry, Ross delivers fresh, tactical insights with humor and heart.

Hire Ross Shafer to speak at your next event and learn how to turn stress into strength—and leadership into legacy.