In Silicon Valley, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. Many tech professionals are accustomed to achieving at high levels and being recognized for it. But every success creates an expectation of further success. That’s when fear of failure can show up. Sometimes it’s a good motivator, but it can also lead to a vicious cycle of feeling insecure, being angry about that insecurity, and then becoming depressed at “failing” to overcome it. But what if fear of failure is not something to overcome? Many of the people you know and respect – even people you consider to be fearless leaders or emotional rocks – have had to learn to cope with their fear of failure, some with the help of a therapist. Fear is something that can be embraced rather than shied away from. And the first step in embracing fear is to be curious about fear as a learning experience that can help you grow. 5 strategies for approaching fear with boldness and curiosity: Change your relationship to fear