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The Journey Beyond Fear: Leverage the Three Pillars of Positivity to Build Your Success
Conquer your fear, achieve your potential, and make a positive difference in the lives of everyone around you
Whether you’re running a business, building a career, raising a family, or attending school, uncertainty has been the name of the game for years―and the feeling reached an all-time high when COVID-19 hit. Even the savviest, smartest, toughest people are understandably feeling enormous pressure and often feeling paralyzed by fear.
The Journey Beyond Fear provides everything you need to identify your fears, face your fears, move beyond your fears―and cultivate emotions that motivate you to pursue valuable business opportunities, realize your full potential, and create opportunities that benefit all. Business strategy guru John Hagel provides an effective, easy-to-grasp three-step
Never underestimate the power of fear―and never underestimate your ability to conquer it.
With The Journey Beyond Fear , you’ll learn how to move forward in spite of fear, take your career and life to the next level, improve your organization and your broader environment, and achieve more of your true potential.
Whether you’re running a business, building a career, raising a family, or attending school, uncertainty has been the name of the game for years―and the feeling reached an all-time high when COVID-19 hit. Even the savviest, smartest, toughest people are understandably feeling enormous pressure and often feeling paralyzed by fear.
The Journey Beyond Fear provides everything you need to identify your fears, face your fears, move beyond your fears―and cultivate emotions that motivate you to pursue valuable business opportunities, realize your full potential, and create opportunities that benefit all. Business strategy guru John Hagel provides an effective, easy-to-grasp three-step
Never underestimate the power of fear―and never underestimate your ability to conquer it.
With The Journey Beyond Fear , you’ll learn how to move forward in spite of fear, take your career and life to the next level, improve your organization and your broader environment, and achieve more of your true potential.
- GenresBusiness
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2021
22 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 31, 2022
Hope and Heart
Inspiring and motivating for those who have a heart for others and a hope that they can be a catalyst for change. The platform model will be exponentially more effective if the makers of the world can incorporate and activate the three pillars John explains in this book.
Learning by action in community seems like common sense, but it has been missing in our academic curriculum and online communities. When passion meets actions impact is the natural result. As John outlines his vision for learning platforms, overcoming institutional structures, and learning at the ‘edges’, a new model starts to emerge in the mind and a fresh energy ignites the heart to act. It is my hope that what he is building models for us all new ways to live and work in the world.
Inspiring and motivating for those who have a heart for others and a hope that they can be a catalyst for change. The platform model will be exponentially more effective if the makers of the world can incorporate and activate the three pillars John explains in this book.
Learning by action in community seems like common sense, but it has been missing in our academic curriculum and online communities. When passion meets actions impact is the natural result. As John outlines his vision for learning platforms, overcoming institutional structures, and learning at the ‘edges’, a new model starts to emerge in the mind and a fresh energy ignites the heart to act. It is my hope that what he is building models for us all new ways to live and work in the world.
October 30, 2021
An excellent and provoking management and organizational theory book. John Hagel, experienced Silicon Valley entrepreneur and strategist, argues that the greatest current challenge is the fear and anxiety people are facing in the workplace. This is largely due to the vast uncertainty, volatility, and dramatic change in all we do. Hagel points to the need for narrative, an explorers mindset, and learning platforms. Very thoughtful management book.
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July 18, 2022You’ll get so much more out of life if you can overcome your fear. To do this, find motivation in your personal narrative, and identify what really excites you. Then find ways to collaborate with others, ideally through learning platforms. That way, whatever your calling in life, you can achieve your true potential.
And here’s some more actionable advice:
Use cellular organization.
When people are working and learning together, small groups are often the most effective. Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other. You can see this kind of structure everywhere – in churches, political movements, and even Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to make more of an impact, try adopting cellular organization in your workplace or community.
---
The pressure is real, and so is the fear, but aim to move beyond.
If you feel like you’re under pressure, you’re not alone. All of us – individuals and organizations – are under increasing pressure. These are hard times.
During his 40-year career in Silicon Valley, the author has noticed the pressure rise and rise. You see, Hagel’s background is in management consultancy, specializing in tech and business opportunities. He’s seen the human impact of globalization and digital technology – the dark side to the revolution.
Years ago, he spotted a billboard by the highway, right in the heart of Silicon Valley. On the billboard was this simple question: “How does it feel, knowing there are at least 1 million people in the world who can do your job?”
It feels stressful, right? With globalization, people across the planet can compete for your job.
And now, with rapid advances in technology, machines are your competitors too. Today, the billboard might read, “How does it feel, knowing that there are 1 million robots who can do your job?”
No wonder so many of us feel under pressure. We may even feel afraid – afraid of the competition. Or we’re scared that we may not be able to achieve our goals. The fear is there when we go to work, and often when we come home, too.
Fear can be a powerful motivator. But is it a good motivator? Well, not really. Just look how a person acts when they’re under pressure, or feeling afraid. Their whole perspective changes. They focus on the short term, and start to believe that rewards or resources are limited.
Once the person believes this, they worry about who’s going to “win.” They start thinking, “For me to win, someone else has to lose.” And as a result, rivalry increases, pressure mounts. It’s a vicious circle, which has a profound emotional impact.
Also, emotions can be contagious. Fear spreads from one person to another, increasing in intensity. It affects whole communities and organizations.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Fear isn’t the only motivator. Hope and excitement can motivate us too. Isn’t it better to be driven by a sense of excitement, rather than a fear of failure?
Let’s be clear, though – we’re not talking about living a life completely free from fear. It’s an emotion we all experience from time to time.
But we don’t have to be defined by our fears. And we can find motivation elsewhere.
Think of your life, or your career, as a journey – a voyage across the sea. You are the vessel, right in the midst of this journey. And the journey is worth making, because there are so many exciting opportunities out there. It’s worth navigating stormy seas.
But in order to get to your destination, you’ll need motivation. And you’ll need some tools.
During his life journey, Hagel has experienced a difficult childhood, two divorces, and career challenges. Along the way, he’s identified three tools, which have helped him to keep going.
These are tools that anyone can use. They’ll motivate you, guide you, and get you safely to your destination. They’ll help you achieve your potential, no matter what.
Next, we’ll look at these three tools – what they are, and how to use them. That way, you’ll be ready to set off on the next part of your journey – a journey beyond fear, leading to a land of opportunities.
---
Find your passion, and integrate it with your working life.
So, your journey has begun. You’ve set sail, motivated by your narrative. But as you journey on, you’ll need something to sustain you. Food, fuel, or . . . passion.
Passion can be the fuel that keeps you going.
Of course, “passion” is a pretty broad term. Let’s narrow it down, and look at the most useful kind of passion. Hagel calls it “the passion of the explorer.”
One of the defining qualities of this kind of passion is commitment to a domain. The domain could be an area of knowledge, like astronomy, or an industry, like manufacturing. Whatever it is, an explorer is excited to be involved in the domain, making an impact.
Another key characteristic of passionate explorers is their attitude toward unexpected challenges. When a challenge arises, explorers get excited, because they see them as opportunities. Challenges are a chance to do something new, something better.
Also, explorers don’t travel solo. When they’re faced with a problem, they reach out to others – people who might share their passion, or have expertise. Passionate explorers connect with others.
This kind of passion is so powerful. When you’re dealing with a challenge, isn’t collective action better than isolated passivity? Fueled by your passion, you can make change happen while working with others. And crucially, you’re acting not out of fear, but out of hope and excitement.
All of us can become passionate explorers, and achieve our full potential. But of course, you have to know what your passion is first, and then cultivate it.
Maybe you’ve already found it – you know what excites you in life. And if you’re not sure yet, that’s okay. You can find your passion at any point in your life.
Narratives can be a great tool for identifying passion. They’re a catalyst for self-discovery. So keep reflecting on your personal narrative, using the questions we looked at earlier. Think about other kinds of narratives, too, and work out which ones excite and inspire you.
You might be inspired by a company’s call to action. Remember Apple’s narrative about unique identity and creative expression? Or you could take inspiration from Nike’s “Just do it” – an invitation to become an active participant.
There are all kinds of exciting narratives, and not just in the world of business. Religions and political movements have narratives too, and so do nations – just think of the American Dream.
So find a narrative that resonates with you, and use it to find your passion.
Then, all that’s left to do is integrate your passion with your profession. Hagel recommends taking small steps. Find elements that excite you in your existing job, and then look for opportunities to build on those elements.
For instance, one of Hagel’s clients was a salesperson at a car company. She was good at her job, but she wasn’t finding it that fulfilling. Sales was too transactional.
As the woman thought about her passion, she realized that she was more interested in addressing people’s unmet needs. On reflection, designing marketing programs was a much more exciting opportunity.
So she grabbed that opportunity. She didn’t even have to quit her job. Instead, she talked to a marketing executive in her company. He was so intrigued by her ideas and her passion that he moved her into his department.
Now, Hagel’s client is excited to go to work every day. That’s what happens when you identify your passion, and integrate it with your job.
And here’s some more actionable advice:
Use cellular organization.
When people are working and learning together, small groups are often the most effective. Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other. You can see this kind of structure everywhere – in churches, political movements, and even Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to make more of an impact, try adopting cellular organization in your workplace or community.
---
The pressure is real, and so is the fear, but aim to move beyond.
If you feel like you’re under pressure, you’re not alone. All of us – individuals and organizations – are under increasing pressure. These are hard times.
During his 40-year career in Silicon Valley, the author has noticed the pressure rise and rise. You see, Hagel’s background is in management consultancy, specializing in tech and business opportunities. He’s seen the human impact of globalization and digital technology – the dark side to the revolution.
Years ago, he spotted a billboard by the highway, right in the heart of Silicon Valley. On the billboard was this simple question: “How does it feel, knowing there are at least 1 million people in the world who can do your job?”
It feels stressful, right? With globalization, people across the planet can compete for your job.
And now, with rapid advances in technology, machines are your competitors too. Today, the billboard might read, “How does it feel, knowing that there are 1 million robots who can do your job?”
No wonder so many of us feel under pressure. We may even feel afraid – afraid of the competition. Or we’re scared that we may not be able to achieve our goals. The fear is there when we go to work, and often when we come home, too.
Fear can be a powerful motivator. But is it a good motivator? Well, not really. Just look how a person acts when they’re under pressure, or feeling afraid. Their whole perspective changes. They focus on the short term, and start to believe that rewards or resources are limited.
Once the person believes this, they worry about who’s going to “win.” They start thinking, “For me to win, someone else has to lose.” And as a result, rivalry increases, pressure mounts. It’s a vicious circle, which has a profound emotional impact.
Also, emotions can be contagious. Fear spreads from one person to another, increasing in intensity. It affects whole communities and organizations.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Fear isn’t the only motivator. Hope and excitement can motivate us too. Isn’t it better to be driven by a sense of excitement, rather than a fear of failure?
Let’s be clear, though – we’re not talking about living a life completely free from fear. It’s an emotion we all experience from time to time.
But we don’t have to be defined by our fears. And we can find motivation elsewhere.
Think of your life, or your career, as a journey – a voyage across the sea. You are the vessel, right in the midst of this journey. And the journey is worth making, because there are so many exciting opportunities out there. It’s worth navigating stormy seas.
But in order to get to your destination, you’ll need motivation. And you’ll need some tools.
During his life journey, Hagel has experienced a difficult childhood, two divorces, and career challenges. Along the way, he’s identified three tools, which have helped him to keep going.
These are tools that anyone can use. They’ll motivate you, guide you, and get you safely to your destination. They’ll help you achieve your potential, no matter what.
Next, we’ll look at these three tools – what they are, and how to use them. That way, you’ll be ready to set off on the next part of your journey – a journey beyond fear, leading to a land of opportunities.
---
Find your passion, and integrate it with your working life.
So, your journey has begun. You’ve set sail, motivated by your narrative. But as you journey on, you’ll need something to sustain you. Food, fuel, or . . . passion.
Passion can be the fuel that keeps you going.
Of course, “passion” is a pretty broad term. Let’s narrow it down, and look at the most useful kind of passion. Hagel calls it “the passion of the explorer.”
One of the defining qualities of this kind of passion is commitment to a domain. The domain could be an area of knowledge, like astronomy, or an industry, like manufacturing. Whatever it is, an explorer is excited to be involved in the domain, making an impact.
Another key characteristic of passionate explorers is their attitude toward unexpected challenges. When a challenge arises, explorers get excited, because they see them as opportunities. Challenges are a chance to do something new, something better.
Also, explorers don’t travel solo. When they’re faced with a problem, they reach out to others – people who might share their passion, or have expertise. Passionate explorers connect with others.
This kind of passion is so powerful. When you’re dealing with a challenge, isn’t collective action better than isolated passivity? Fueled by your passion, you can make change happen while working with others. And crucially, you’re acting not out of fear, but out of hope and excitement.
All of us can become passionate explorers, and achieve our full potential. But of course, you have to know what your passion is first, and then cultivate it.
Maybe you’ve already found it – you know what excites you in life. And if you’re not sure yet, that’s okay. You can find your passion at any point in your life.
Narratives can be a great tool for identifying passion. They’re a catalyst for self-discovery. So keep reflecting on your personal narrative, using the questions we looked at earlier. Think about other kinds of narratives, too, and work out which ones excite and inspire you.
You might be inspired by a company’s call to action. Remember Apple’s narrative about unique identity and creative expression? Or you could take inspiration from Nike’s “Just do it” – an invitation to become an active participant.
There are all kinds of exciting narratives, and not just in the world of business. Religions and political movements have narratives too, and so do nations – just think of the American Dream.
So find a narrative that resonates with you, and use it to find your passion.
Then, all that’s left to do is integrate your passion with your profession. Hagel recommends taking small steps. Find elements that excite you in your existing job, and then look for opportunities to build on those elements.
For instance, one of Hagel’s clients was a salesperson at a car company. She was good at her job, but she wasn’t finding it that fulfilling. Sales was too transactional.
As the woman thought about her passion, she realized that she was more interested in addressing people’s unmet needs. On reflection, designing marketing programs was a much more exciting opportunity.
So she grabbed that opportunity. She didn’t even have to quit her job. Instead, she talked to a marketing executive in her company. He was so intrigued by her ideas and her passion that he moved her into his department.
Now, Hagel’s client is excited to go to work every day. That’s what happens when you identify your passion, and integrate it with your job.
July 24, 2021
What if you only had to #QuestionDifferently to mitigate FEAR?
John Hagel has been a significant influence in my life since I read his books Net Gain and Net Worth in 1995. His ideas and vision are coming to life today. If you want a glimpse of the future today read John’s books.
John Hagel has been a significant influence in my life since I read his books Net Gain and Net Worth in 1995. His ideas and vision are coming to life today. If you want a glimpse of the future today read John’s books.
January 13, 2026
The Journey Beyond Fear is a thoughtful and practical examination of how fear shapes decision-making and how it can be redirected into momentum, purpose, and long-term growth.
John Hagel III frames fear not as a weakness to be eliminated, but as a powerful signal that can either paralyze or propel us, depending on how it is understood. His three-pillar framework long-term vision, personal passion, and scalable connection offers readers a clear structure for moving forward amid uncertainty, particularly in professional and organizational contexts.
What stands out is the book’s emphasis on opportunity rather than avoidance. Hagel consistently encourages readers to widen their time horizon, shifting focus away from short-term threats and toward sustained impact. This perspective feels especially relevant in a world shaped by rapid change and disruption.
Accessible without being simplistic, the book blends strategic thinking with emotional insight, making it useful for leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating transition. The Journey Beyond Fear ultimately argues that growth begins not when fear disappears, but when purpose becomes stronger than hesitation.
Author contact (for professional correspondence): contact.nk.jemisin@gmail.com
John Hagel III frames fear not as a weakness to be eliminated, but as a powerful signal that can either paralyze or propel us, depending on how it is understood. His three-pillar framework long-term vision, personal passion, and scalable connection offers readers a clear structure for moving forward amid uncertainty, particularly in professional and organizational contexts.
What stands out is the book’s emphasis on opportunity rather than avoidance. Hagel consistently encourages readers to widen their time horizon, shifting focus away from short-term threats and toward sustained impact. This perspective feels especially relevant in a world shaped by rapid change and disruption.
Accessible without being simplistic, the book blends strategic thinking with emotional insight, making it useful for leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating transition. The Journey Beyond Fear ultimately argues that growth begins not when fear disappears, but when purpose becomes stronger than hesitation.
Author contact (for professional correspondence): contact.nk.jemisin@gmail.com
July 18, 2022
Never Fear. Never leave opportunities because of your fears. Maybe your career choice is because of your fear. Something holding u back. It's never late to change. That the first step to achieving ur potential and living a fulfilled life. there is no Ilah except Allah. If something holds u back face it head on.
About ur children if u fear something let them know. By being angry at them and just telling them too. They will do their way and will hide from you.
Passion is the fuel that keeps us going.
Always keeps on learning. Surround yourself with amazing friends who love to learn.
Create a learning platform where people can interact with each other and with others. What u r doing can be done by millions of people around the world. Be something that is irreplaceable.
Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other.
About ur children if u fear something let them know. By being angry at them and just telling them too. They will do their way and will hide from you.
Passion is the fuel that keeps us going.
Always keeps on learning. Surround yourself with amazing friends who love to learn.
Create a learning platform where people can interact with each other and with others. What u r doing can be done by millions of people around the world. Be something that is irreplaceable.
Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other.
July 18, 2022
You’ll get so much more out of life if you can overcome your fear. To do this, find motivation in your personal narrative, and identify what really excites you. Then find ways to collaborate with others, ideally through learning platforms. That way, whatever your calling in life, you can achieve your true potential.
And here’s some more actionable advice:
Use cellular organization.
When people are working and learning together, small groups are often the most effective. Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other. You can see this kind of structure everywhere – in churches, political movements, and even Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to make more of an impact, try adopting cellular organization in your workplace or community.
And here’s some more actionable advice:
Use cellular organization.
When people are working and learning together, small groups are often the most effective. Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other. You can see this kind of structure everywhere – in churches, political movements, and even Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to make more of an impact, try adopting cellular organization in your workplace or community.
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July 18, 2022You’ll get so much more out of life if you can overcome your fear. To do this, find motivation in your personal narrative, and identify what really excites you. Then find ways to collaborate with others, ideally through learning platforms. That way, whatever your calling in life, you can achieve your true potential.
When people are working and learning together, small groups are often the most effective. Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other. You can see this kind of structure everywhere – in churches, political movements, and even Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to make more of an impact, try adopting cellular organization in your workplace or community.
When people are working and learning together, small groups are often the most effective. Hagel recommends creating “cells” of around 3 to 15 people who meet regularly. It’s easier for small groups of people to form trust-based relationships, supporting each other and learning from each other. You can see this kind of structure everywhere – in churches, political movements, and even Alcoholics Anonymous. If you want to make more of an impact, try adopting cellular organization in your workplace or community.
December 31, 2021
Initial input through audio book. I’ll have to go get the “actual” book to read again, there was so much to process. All-in-all a very comprehensive process on building narrative, passion and platform - all from a positive mindset.
January 5, 2022
Interesting thesis and inspiring vision. Unfortunately the writing doesn't take you along easily, so even though definitely worthwhile, it is an effort to finish the book
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews