by Christine Burns
Have you ever felt stuck, uncertain how to move forward, and overwhelmed by life’s challenges? You’re not alone. Research suggests that around 1 in 3 people struggle with fear of change and adversity, often preventing them from stepping out of their comfort zones and living up to their potential. Fear of failure and anxiety about the unknown are powerful forces that keep people locked in a cycle of mediocrity. These emotions can freeze us in our tracks, leaving us to wonder: “How can I break through this?”
The Power of Fear
Fear is one of the main reasons people remain trapped in lives of mediocrity. Studies suggest that fear of change and fear of failure cause nearly one-third of people to shy away from taking steps that could lead to growth. The uncertainty of the unknown, the potential for failure, or the possibility of losing control can paralyze us, keeping us in a repetitive, unfulfilling cycle. But the key to breaking free lies in understanding what we can control.
A Life-Altering Phone Call
I know the feeling all too well. On November 2, 2016, at 11:02 a.m., my phone rang. The caller ID read “unknown,” but I answered anyway, knowing it might be the surgeon who performed my surgery a week earlier. We exchanged the usual pleasantries, but her tone was different. She told me she was calling with my pathology results. And then came the words that turned my world upside down: "You have endometrial cancer."
In that moment, everything went dark. Time seemed to stop, and I was consumed by thoughts like, "I’m too young to die. This isn’t how my life is supposed to end." I was standing in my kitchen, swearing into the phone, unable to fully process the enormity of what I had just heard.
What Can I Control?
But then something shifted. My training as a former elite athlete kicked in. I asked myself, "What CAN I control?" I realized that while the medical team would handle their part, I had a role to play too—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I told my doctor, "You do your genius, and I’ll do mine."
The Role of Habits
As an athlete, pre-performance routines were key to success. They gave me a sense of control, built confidence, removed distractions,
and prepared me for peak performance. Similarly, during my cancer journey, I established routines that grounded me. Each morning, I would wake up and smile, meditate, shower, eat healthy, and dress in my favourite clothes to feel good. It was a way to reclaim power over my life, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Gratitude
Gratitude was the second key. Focusing on what I had—rather than what I had lost—shifted my mindset. Gratitude releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which help create a more optimistic outlook. Each day, as I walked from the car park to the oncology unit, I practiced gratitude by appreciating the little things: the trees, the people I met, the small joys in everyday life. This mindset helped me find strength and resilience where I didn’t know I had it.
Breaking Through Adversity
If you want to break through adversity, focus on what you can control—your routines and habits. And always look for something to be grateful for. These simple practices will shift your mindset, boost your resilience, and open up new possibilities, no matter how tough the challenges ahead may seem. When you take control of these two aspects of your life, you’ll always find a way forward.
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