Taiwo Tunde-Akinyemi

Face Your Fears and Focus on the Goals

Reading the story of the black chicken that crossed the road while others hesitated made something click for me. It’s a simple visual—but the meaning runs deep.

Too often, we pause at the edge of opportunity—not because the path is blocked, but because someone else stopped short. Fear is contagious. But so is courage.

This reminds me of my own journey. There have been moments—facing tough exams, career changes, or uncertain steps—when the urge to turn back was strong. What made the difference? Shifting my focus from the obstacle to the outcome. When the goal becomes your compass, fear loses its grip. You cant let fear or someone esle’s fear dictate your oath.

The truth is, fear often isn’t real. It’s inherited. We pick it up from the environment, from the stories others tell themselves, from the hesitation we witness. But goals—those come from within. They remind us of who we
want to become, and why the journey matters.

You don’t need a green light from the world to move forward. You don’t need everyone to go first. Sometimes, you have to be the one who walks through uncertainty with purpose. Not just for yourself—but because someone else is watching you for permission to believe it’s possible.

So here’s my takeaway: Face your fears. Focus on the goals.

Because courage doesn’t always roar—sometimes, it simply steps forward.

– Taiwo Akinyemi, PhD