The Darkness is Not Empty: Understanding the Fear of the Unknown

We all feel it. That knot in your stomach when you think about a career pivot, asking for a raise, or launching a risky project. That feeling is what we call "the dark."

In a literal sense, we fear the dark because it conceals threats. In your career, "the dark" represents the unknown consequences of change. If you could see everything, whether that be the perfect job, the ideal outcome, the guarantee of success, you wouldn't be afraid.

But here is the most powerful secret about professional uncertainty: The darkness is not empty. It's simply full of things you haven't seen yet.

The Comfort of the Known Light

Most professionals get stuck not because they lack talent, but because they are addicted to the known light of their current situation.

The known light is comfortable. It's your current title, your predictable paycheck, and the familiar rhythm of your office. Even if that light is dim—even if you're bored, underpaid, or unhappy—it’s safe.

The dark, by contrast, feels like a void. Our minds rush to fill that void with worst-case scenarios: What if I fail? What if I look foolish? What if I end up worse off than I am now?

This is your first chance to reframe your thinking. Stop seeing the darkness as a void, and start seeing it as an open field.

Redefining Your Professional Dark

The goal isn't to eliminate the unknown—that's impossible. The goal is to reclassify what the unknown represents.

The shift is simple but profound: When you face your next career decision, replace the thought of "I'm entering the dark" with the question, "What untapped potential is hidden here?"

Your First Actionable Step: A Journaling Prompt

Our fear often loses its power once we name it.

Grab a notepad or open a document and answer this question honestly:

If my current professional "darkness" (that big change, that scary pitch, that career move) was actually an opportunity, what would it be for?

• Example: My darkness is a fear of asking for a promotion. Its untapped opportunity is proving my value and securing financial independence.

• Example: My darkness is a fear of leaving my industry. Its untapped opportunity is discovering a passion I didn't know I had and developing versatile new skills.

Don't let your mind default to monsters. Shine a small light of thought on your "darkness" and see the fertile ground that's waiting.

In our next post, we’ll talk about how to light up that ground with Your Flashlight is Your Skills: Mapping the Uncertain Terrain.