Imagine this: A six-month-old baby encounters a crawling cockroach. No screams, no panic – just pure curiosity. Now imagine the same scene, but with parents frantically rushing in, screaming and creating chaos. That baby grows into an adult who jumps at the mere sight of a cockroach. Sounds familiar?
As a leadership coach, I've witnessed countless talented professionals held back not by lack of skill, but by deeply rooted fears. These fears, much like our cockroach story, often stem from childhood experiences that got tagged with intense emotions. But here's the exciting part – we can rewrite these neural pathways, and I'm here to show you how.
Through this blog, I want to share the secrets to overcoming fears with “Firewalking”. I have conducted this particularly daring and adventurous activity for many corporate leaders during my outdoor retreats. The results have been fantastic.
Let me take you on a virtual firewalk and the science behind it through this blog:
The Hidden Barriers to Success
We are all masters at setting goals. Whether it's during those annual corporate offsites or our personal New Year's resolutions, we love dreaming big. But achieving these goals? That's where things get interesting. Through my years of coaching, I've identified three main culprits that stop us dead in our tracks:
- Our belief system (the strongest barrier)
- Our inner fears
- Lack of focus
Our beliefs are particularly sneaky. They're those absolute certainties we carry – the "I can't do public speaking" or "I'm not creative enough" thoughts that stop us before we even begin. But it's our fears that really fascinate me, because they show up right after we set a goal, whispering those familiar "but what if..." questions.
Understanding Fear: More Than Just False Evidence Appearing Real
Remember 26/11 in Mumbai? Most Indians can tell you exactly where they were during the terror attacks. Yet, ask about a random day last month, and you'll draw a blank. Why? Because our brains don't just store events – they store emotions.
This is crucial to understand: our brain processes information through our five senses and matches it with past emotional experiences. Think about why some people freeze at the sight of heights, or why others panic in enclosed spaces. These reactions aren't random – they're programmed responses based on past emotional tags.
The Science of Change: Your Brain's Remarkable Plasticity
Here's the good news – your brain isn't set in stone. Science has shown us that we can rewire our neural pathways at any age. I've seen this transformation firsthand through three powerful methods:
- Visualization
- Affirmation
- Positive metaphorical experiences
But today, I want to focus on something extraordinary – firewalking. Yes, you read that right.
Firewalking: More Than Just a Spiritual Ritual
When I mention firewalking to my clients, their first reaction is usually skepticism. "Walk on burning coals? Are you crazy?" But here's what fascinates me – this practice has existed for thousands of years across cultures, from Pacific islands to African tribes.
The coals burn at around 2000 degrees (whether Celsius or Fahrenheit, does it matter? Both are hot enough to cook a steak!). Yet, people walk across without severe burns. How? The science behind it is interesting, but what's more important is the metaphorical power of the experience.
The Dronacharya Principle: Focus Transforms Fear
Let me share an ancient Indian story that perfectly illustrates what firewalking teaches us about focus. Dronacharya, the legendary guru, once tested his archery students. He hung a wooden bird in a tree and asked each student what they saw before shooting. While others noticed the sky, trees, and surroundings, Arjun saw only the bird's eye. Guess who hit the target?
This is exactly what firewalking teaches – laser-sharp focus. When you're facing a bed of burning coals, your mind can't afford to wander. You're forced to focus solely on your goal – reaching the other side.
Your Turn: From Fear to Freedom
Here's what I want you to take away: every time you face a fear, remember that like a firewalker, you have the power to cross your own burning coals. Whether it's public speaking, starting a business, or making a career change, the principle remains the same – focus on your goal, not your fear.
And remember, just as not every batsman (even the great Sachin Tendulkar) scores a century every time, you don't need to conquer every fear perfectly. What matters is taking that first step, keeping your focus, and trusting in your ability to transform.
About Cdr. Girish Konkar (Retd.) - Leadership & Transformation Catalyst
Cdr.Cdr. Girish Konkar (Retd.) is no ordinary coach. From commanding submarines to guiding Fortune 500 boardrooms, his journey spans oceans, peaks, and transformative leadership. Blending discipline, courage, and wisdom, Girish reshapes lives and organizations with unparalleled expertise. It’s time for you to experience the “Commander” Advantage with Girish. Get in touch today.
