"害怕变得无关紧要的那些人对自己开始一些新鲜事物的能力有信心。"

This quote highlights an interesting paradox — those who dread fading into obscurity are often the ones who possess the confidence and skills to innovate. At its heart, it speaks to a blend of fear and self-assurance that drives people to keep creating and evolving.

Imagine you’re in the middle of your career, doing well but starting to worry that the industry is moving faster than you are. Maybe you’re in tech, and every day there’s a new app, a new framework, a new buzzword. The fear of becoming irrelevant can be paralyzing. But here’s the twist — it’s that very fear that can propel you forward. If you have the confidence that you can start something new, you won’t let that fear hold you back. Instead, you’ll use it as fuel to innovate.

Let’s rewind to the 1990s. Steve Jobs had been ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded. Many would’ve expected him to fade into irrelevance. But Jobs was terrified of that exact outcome. Instead of giving in to fear, he channeled it into creating something fresh — he founded NeXT, a computer platform development company, and bought a small graphics company that would become Pixar. His story is a perfect example of how fear of irrelevance, combined with confidence in one’s creative abilities, can lead to extraordinary new ventures.

Fast forward to today. Picture a digital marketer named Angela. She’s been in the field for years, but she’s noticing younger colleagues using newer tools and platforms. She starts to feel the creeping anxiety of being left behind. But Angela doesn’t let that fear consume her. She dives into learning about TikTok, something she used to dismiss as a platform for teens. In a few months, she’s not only up to speed but also pioneering innovative marketing strategies that bring her company new, younger audiences. Her fear of becoming irrelevant pushed her to learn and grow, turning a potential weakness into a strength.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by acknowledging your fears. They’re natural and can be incredibly motivating if you let them be. Next, identify an area where you feel your skills might be lagging. Is there something new in your field that intimidates you? Dive into it. Take a course, read up, ask questions — immerse yourself. Use your fear of irrelevance as a springboard to develop fresh skills and perspectives.

Consider a scenario where you’re a graphic designer. You’ve been comfortable with traditional methods, but now everyone’s talking about digital art and NFTs. It’s daunting, right? But instead of shying away, you decide to explore this new frontier. You start small, maybe with a class or a webinar. Gradually, you find yourself not just catching up but also coming up with unique ideas that blend your traditional skills with digital innovation. Suddenly, you’re not just relevant — you’re a trailblazer.

In a nutshell, don’t let the fear of becoming irrelevant stifle you. Embrace it. It could be the very thing that pushes you to start something fresh and exciting. Think of it as a compass, guiding you toward areas where you can grow and innovate. By combining this fear with confidence in your ability to learn and adapt, you can turn a potential downfall into a launching pad for new opportunities. So, next time you feel that twinge of anxiety about being left behind, remember — it’s often the first step to something incredible.