Meet Your Lion: Embrace the Fear, Chase the Desire

What is that one thing you most desire?

That bold dream, glowing faintly yet fiercely in the back of your mind? Maybe it’s ramping up your business, going on an adventure, writing a book, finding love, moving to a new city, or even becoming the best version of yourself. It’s thrilling, but it might also terrify you.

This “thing” is your lion.

The lion represents your deepest desires – the ones that awaken both passion and fear. Like staring into the eyes of a majestic predator, achieving this desire feels daunting because it requires something profound: change.

To capture your lion, you must grow beyond who you are today. You must free yourself from the clutches of comfort, convenience and complacency.

The Roar of Fear

When faced with our lions, we often hear the roar of judgment and fear:

“What if I fail?”
“I’m not ready yet.”
“People will judge me.”
“It’s too big for me.”
“I’m not worthy.”

This fear is natural.

It’s a protective mechanism, warning us about the effort and uncertainty involved in stepping outside of our comfort zones. But here’s the catch: fear doesn’t mean “stop.” It means you’re about to enter a realm of growth, where the magic happens.

If your lion scares you, that’s a good sign.

It means this goal matters.

It’s proof that your desire is tied to something meaningful – something worth going after and fighting for.

The Path of Growth

Meeting your lion requires transformation. You’re unlikely to find it in the place that you are now; lions roam in the untamed places, where bravery, resilience, and persistence are essential.

As you get moving it’s helpful to remember these few things:

1. Accept that fear will be your companion. Instead of running from it, turn around and face it. Ask yourself: “What’s the worst that can happen?” Often, you’ll find the fear isn’t as catastrophic as you think.
2. You don’t have to be “ready” or “perfect”. You just have to be willing. Willing to learn and adapt. Growth and change is messy, and that’s ok.
3. Action is the antidote to fear. Even a small step – like writing the first sentence or asking for help – starts to build momentum. Momentum is your friend. It builds confidence and opens up new opportunities. One thing almost always leads to another.
4. A lion is wild and it may elude you for a while. Persistence is part of the plan – perhaps even the most important part of the plan. The lion respects your courage and steadfastness in purpose is courage.

The Lion Within

Here’s the real secret: the real lion isn’t out there – it’s inside you.

Your deepest desires and dreams aren’t random; they’re reflections of who you are meant to become. The journey toward meeting your lion is ultimately the journey toward you.

So, rise up to the challenge. Go find your lion. Feel the fear, but also the pull of your desire. It’s okay if the path is uncertain. Just take the first step. Growth and courage will follow.

And then one day, when you’ve met your lion, you’ll realise that the roar that once terrified you … has become your own!

This is our last post for the year. Thank you for reading. We love writing for you. Happy holidays and see you again in 2025!

We love hearing from you. Please comment below or mail me at

grant@leadershipworks.co.za

Remember, if you want to get your team and leaders fired up in the new year, please contact me to find out how.

8 Comments

Nina Pearse 27 November 2024 at 2:42 pm - Reply

It is so true that we must accept that fear will be our companion as we grow and transform. If it doesn’t scare us, are we dreaming big enough?
- Grant Ashfield 28 November 2024 at 12:04 pm - Reply
  
  Hi Nina – It was wonderful to receive your comment – thank you!.
Nadira Deonarain 27 November 2024 at 6:08 pm - Reply

Absolutely loved this piece Grant. It came at a time where I am trying to face my fears in terms of an upcoming leadership program and my lion scares me. Really needed to hear how to face my fears-THANK YOU!
I am feeling ready to ROAR!
- Grant Ashfield 28 November 2024 at 12:05 pm - Reply
  
  HI Nadira. Go find your lion! It’s waiting for you … loved your comment. Thank you.
Ian Schubach 28 November 2024 at 12:33 am - Reply

Another great read Grant. 2025 – the year of the lion!
- Grant Ashfield 28 November 2024 at 12:05 pm - Reply
  
  Thank for your comment Ian. 2025, the year of the lion – love it!
Luisa 2 January 2025 at 3:32 pm - Reply

I loved this read, thank you Grant. This is the year I will find my Lion!!! THANK YOU for your inspiration.
- Grant Ashfield 10 January 2025 at 10:34 am - Reply
  
  Thank you Luisa – I am so pleased that you were inspired by this post. Here’s to finding your LION. Grant