Have you ever stood on the edge of a big decision—a new job, a heartfelt confession, a passion project, or even just signing up for a class—and felt a knot in your stomach? It’s like invisible chains holding you back, making the path forward seem daunting. But what if that very feeling, that sense of unease, could actually be a compass pointing you towards a richer, more meaningful existence? How can we transform this disquiet into a source of strength?

The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard explored this profound human experience, terming it "Angst." He saw it not merely as fear, but as a deep-seated feeling of uncertainty that comes with being alive and aware of our freedom. Think about it: you're faced with a choice. Do you stick to the familiar, the comfortable routine? Or do you venture into the unknown to chase a dream—perhaps starting a small venture, relocating, or finally pursuing that art class you've always considered? That inner whisper of "What if it doesn't work out? What if I fail?" is a natural part of being human. Kierkegaard suggested that this anxiety arises precisely because we are free and thus bear the immense responsibility for the choices that shape our lives. Life is inherently uncertain; we encounter change, the possibility of mistakes, and the reality of our own finitude. This weight can feel heavy. Yet, he didn't see this as a flaw, but as a doorway to growth and forward movement.

Finding Your Inner Fire

So, how do we begin to navigate this? The first step is to connect with what truly ignites you. Anxiety often feels more potent when we feel adrift, lacking a clear sense of purpose. Kierkegaard encouraged the search for "subjective truth"—that which holds deep, personal significance for you, something that makes your spirit stir. Perhaps it’s a melody you've always wanted to create, the joy of preparing food that delights others, or a deep-seated desire to contribute, maybe by working with young people or dedicating time to a community cause. The key is to focus on what truly resonates with you.

Imagine someone who always felt a tremor of fear before speaking in public but harbored a secret dream of singing. They might decide to perform at a small local gathering. Initially, their knees might shake, but with time, that nervous energy could transform into drive. Your passions can fuel a similar transformation.

Take a moment now. What are three activities that genuinely inspire you, that make you feel alive? Jotting these down can be your initial step in moving through the fog of uncertainty. You could list them out:

• An activity that brings you joy.
• Something you've always been curious about.
• A skill you've dreamt of developing.

This simple reflection can be your initial step in moving forward.

Taking the Plunge, Despite the Disquiet

The next crucial element is to act, even when fear is present. Kierkegaard spoke of a "leap of faith"—a courageous step into the unknown, even when your heart is pounding. The questions "What if I stumble? What if others disapprove?" are common. But, as he taught, growth often requires moving forward even when it’s unsettling.

Begin with manageable actions. If there's a course you've been contemplating, sign up. If there’s someone whose work interests you for a potential project, initiate a conversation. These small steps build momentum and challenge the paralysis that anxiety can induce. Consider a person who dreamed of moving to a bustling city but was held back by the fear of the unfamiliar. They could start by researching housing online, then perhaps sending out feelers for job opportunities in the new location. Each small action can build confidence, leading to bigger changes.

Ask yourself: what are you currently holding back from because of apprehension? Write it down. Then, identify one small action you can take today—send that email, make that call, or simply dedicate five minutes to planning. This single action can be a powerful step toward a sense of liberation.

Sidestepping the Pitfalls of Avoidance

It's also important to recognize patterns that can amplify anxiety. One such trap is conformity—living according to others' expectations while neglecting your own innermost desires. Perhaps you chose a career path because it was expected, not because it truly fulfilled you. Another common pitfall is distraction—endless scrolling through social media or losing hours to television series. These can divert you from your actual goals and numb the call to authentic living.

Kierkegaard advocated for the practice of introspection. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes each day for quiet reflection. Turn off your devices. In this stillness, consider what you truly want and what you might be avoiding. This simple practice can help you clarify your genuine desires and identify what's truly holding you back. Imagine someone in an office job they disliked, feeling trapped but afraid of change. Through reflection, they might realize a hidden passion for gardening. This insight could be the catalyst to explore that interest, perhaps leading to a more fulfilling path, like growing produce for a local market. Being honest with yourself in these quiet moments can diminish anxiety's hold and bring clarity.

Embracing Anxiety as a Guide

The final shift in perspective is to see anxiety not as an adversary, but as an ally. Kierkegaard believed that acknowledging our anxiety can lead to profound self-awareness. This feeling isn't just an obstacle; it's often a signal. It can highlight areas where growth is possible—be it developing new skills, improving relationships, or finally taking action on a long-held aspiration.

Think of one task or situation that currently causes you unease. It could be addressing a conflict with a loved one, starting a challenging project, or even the thought of speaking up in a group. Break this down into smaller, manageable steps, and then commit to taking just the first one. Someone once shared that they had avoided contacting a friend for years after an argument. After reflecting on these ideas, they decided to send a message. They met, talked through their differences, and reported feeling much more capable in their interactions afterward, even in professional settings.

You have this capacity too. Choose one thing that stirs that feeling of unease, and take a small step.

References:

• Kierkegaard, Søren. The Concept of Anxiety: A Simple Psychologically Orienting Deliberation on the Dogmatic Issue of Hereditary Sin. Edited and translated by Reidar Thomte in collaboration with Albert B. Anderson. Princeton University Press, 1980.

  This work is Kierkegaard’s most direct and comprehensive examination of anxiety (Angst). It delves into anxiety as a fundamental human condition linked to freedom, possibility, and self-awareness. The introduction and early chapters (e.g., Part One, Chapter 1: "Anxiety as the Presupposition of Hereditary Sin and as Its Consequence down the Generations") are particularly relevant to understanding his view of anxiety as a consequence of freedom and the awareness of possibility, which is central to the article's theme.

• Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling and Repetition. Edited and translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton University Press, 1983.

  While Fear and Trembling primarily explores the nature of faith through the story of Abraham and Isaac, it profoundly illustrates the concept of the "leap of faith" and the anxiety involved in making ultimate commitments in the face of the absurd or the unknown. The discussions of Abraham's internal state and the suspension of the ethical (e.g., "Problema I: Is there such a thing as a teleological suspension of the ethical?") highlight the intense personal struggle and commitment discussed in the article.

• Hannay, Alastair. Kierkegaard: A Biography. Cambridge University Press, 2001.

  For a more accessible entry point or to contextualize Kierkegaard's ideas, a reputable biography like Hannay's can be useful. Chapter 9, "The Concept of Anxiety and Other Upbuilding Thoughts," (specifically, pages around 280-295 which discuss The Concept of Anxiety) provides an overview of the period when Kierkegaard was writing this key text and discusses its main themes in relation to his life and other works, which can help in understanding the practical and existential implications of his philosophy of anxiety as touched upon in the article.