Podcast Summary: Build with Leila Hormozi
Episode: How I Use Fear to Make Better Decisions | Ep 268
Release Date: May 1, 2025

In this episode of Build with Leila Hormozi, host Leila delves deep into the intricate relationship between fear and decision-making in both personal and professional realms. Drawing from personal experiences, influential quotes, and practical strategies, Leila offers listeners a comprehensive guide on harnessing fear as a tool for growth and success.

1. Introduction to Fear

Leila begins by exploring the fundamental nature of fear, emphasizing its role in human survival. She shares a personal anecdote from a visit to her regular hair salon, where she observes a friend grappling with anxiety before giving a speech. This encounter serves as a catalyst for her discussion on fear's pervasive influence.

Leila (00:02): "Fear exists to keep us alive, right? We are wired for survival, not success. And so when we perceive risk, that's our brain's trying to keep us alive, putting that fear in our body."

2. The Survival Mechanism of Fear

Highlighting the evolutionary aspect, Leila explains that fear triggers our brains to respond to threats, whether real or perceived. She underscores that our bodies cannot distinguish between different types of fear-inducing situations, such as public speaking versus facing a predator.

Leila (09:30): "Because our bodies don't know the difference between public speaking and a lion trying to fucking eat you, right?"

3. Partnering with Fear

Transitioning from understanding fear, Leila introduces the concept of "partnering with fear" instead of attempting to eliminate it. She shares her realization that fear can be a powerful ally in achieving dreams when appropriately managed.

Leila (05:20): "I've learned to partner with fear in a way that allows me to actually accomplish my dreams."

4. Notable Quotes and Inspirations

Leila draws inspiration from notable figures to reinforce her points on fear and courage:

• Kobe Bryant: Leila references Kobe's acknowledgment of his own fears, highlighting that courage coexists with fear.

  Leila (10:45): "He said, 'I have self-doubt, I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it.'"

• Sam Zell: She cites Sam Zell's perspective on fear as a tool rather than a weakness, emphasizing its role in signaling areas that require attention.

  Leila (23:15): "Fear is a healthy characteristic. I don't do business with people who aren't afraid."

• Founder of IKEA: An insightful quote from the IKEA founder links fear of making mistakes to bureaucracy, illustrating its detrimental effects on creativity and progress.

  Leila (35:50): "Fear of making mistakes is the root of bureaucracy."

5. Practical Strategies for Using Fear

Leila outlines actionable strategies for leveraging fear in decision-making processes:

• Acknowledge But Don't Obey Fear: Recognize fear's presence without allowing it to dictate actions.

  Leila (12:00): "I acknowledge fear, but I don't obey fear."

• Use Fear as a Compass: Let fear guide where to conduct more research and due diligence rather than as a barrier.

  Leila (28:40): "Fear is a great data point because it signals where there's risk."

• Exposure and Repetition: Reduce fear through consistent exposure, allowing the brain to associate the feared activity with safety.

  Leila (18:25): "The reps are the antidote to fear."

6. Overcoming Fear in Content Creation

Leila shares her personal struggle with creating content, detailing how fear initially paralyzed her from taking action. Her breakthrough came when she decided to confront her fears head-on, leading to unexpectedly positive outcomes.

Leila (17:10): "I committed to making content. I made a podcast cover. I did that. And I still hadn't done it because every time I went to record, all these thoughts rushed into my head."

Her first foray into content creation was met with immediate and overwhelming positive feedback, disproving her fears and motivating her to continue.

Leila (21:35): "Within four days, I had almost 2,000 views on the video. It was very well received. And I was like, wow... I actually wanted to do more of it."

7. Leadership and Team Dynamics

Leila transitions to discussing fear within team settings, particularly in leadership and decision-making. She recounts an instance where fear nearly led her to make a detrimental business decision, but her instincts, driven by fear, prompted her to conduct deeper due diligence, ultimately saving her company from a flawed investment.

Leila (27:50): "Fear was controlling me, where I was obeying fear. And I was on a vacation with Alex... I committed to making content."

She also addresses the importance of creating a safe environment for teams to foster creativity and minimize fear-induced bureaucracy.

Leila (35:30): "When your team is scared of messing up, their brains literally can't think as creatively."

8. Final Thoughts: Embracing Fear

In her concluding remarks, Leila reiterates that fear is an inevitable aspect of the human experience. The key lies in choosing not to be governed by fear but to use it constructively as a guide.

Leila (40:00): "Fear is inevitable. But submitting to that fear is optional... you’re just going to use that as a compass to give you more information."

She emphasizes that embracing fear not only leads to personal growth but also enhances relationships and professional endeavors.

Key Takeaways

1. Fear is a Natural Survival Mechanism: Understanding that fear is inherently wired into us to protect, not hinder.

2. Partnering Over Eliminating: Instead of trying to eradicate fear, learn to work alongside it to achieve objectives.

3. Courage Coexists with Fear: Inspirational figures like Kobe Bryant exemplify how courage emerges in the presence of fear.

4. Fear as a Tool for Better Decisions: Utilize fear to identify risks and areas needing more attention, enhancing strategic planning.

5. Cultivating a Safe Environment: Whether in business or personal relationships, reducing fear can lead to increased creativity and productivity.

6. Embracing Mistakes: Encouraging a culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Notable Quotes

• Leila Hormozi (09:30): "Because our bodies don't know the difference between public speaking and a lion trying to fucking eat you, right?"

• Kobe Bryant (10:45): "I have self-doubt, I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it."

• Sam Zell (23:15): "Fear is a healthy characteristic. I don't do business with people who aren't afraid."

• Founder of IKEA (35:50): "Fear of making mistakes is the root of bureaucracy."

• Leila Hormozi (40:00): "Fear is inevitable. But submitting to that fear is optional."

Conclusion

In How I Use Fear to Make Better Decisions, Leila Hormozi offers a profound exploration of fear's role in our lives. By sharing personal stories, quoting influential figures, and providing practical strategies, she empowers listeners to transform fear from a stumbling block into a stepping stone towards success. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of fear in their personal and professional journeys.