F.E.A.R. and the Future of Work: Why False Evidence Appearing Real Holds Us Back
- Vikki da Rocha
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
Dear reader,
Who’s having endless discussions about AI and the future of our tasks, our jobs, our workforce, heck, our humanity?!?! Will AI replace me? Is AI a faster, smarter, better-looking, and more articulate version of me?
I know I am. Almost daily. And there is a very clear, common thread that runs through all of the conversations I’m having - that’s the uncertainty. The changes that lie there in our paths.
Change has always unsettled people. Hey, I built a whole career on the new and shiny concept of internet marketing and social media in the early 2000’s. And boy, was there resistance, and resentment, and fear. And yes, I witnessed redundancies as a result of the new technology, but I also saw the human brain's ability to adapt to change and challenges, emerging stronger, more adaptable, newly-skilled and more knowledgeable.Fast forward to today’s workplaces, and few shifts create more uncertainty than the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI). For some, AI represents progress and efficiency. For others, it sparks anxiety, triggering a wave of what we at Momentum call F.E.A.R. - False Evidence Appearing Real.
F.E.A.R. is not just a catchy acronym. It’s a powerful way of describing how the mind works under pressure. When faced with uncertainty, our brains often start constructing stories about what might happen. These stories feel so real that they shape our beliefs and influence our behaviour. The result? Avoidance, self-sabotage, and a tendency to fixate on worst-case scenarios.
How the Brain Creates False Evidence
Neuroscience tells us that the brain’s job is survival. When confronted with change, it begins projecting possible risks into the future. This “future pacing” is designed to keep us safe by preparing for contingencies. The problem is that these imagined scenarios aren’t facts. They’re false evidence. Mental constructs that can quickly harden into limiting beliefs.
In the context of AI, this often sounds like:
“What if AI takes my job?”
“What if I can’t keep up with new technology?”
“What if my skills no longer matter?”
These questions are not truths, but once the mind gives them weight, they begin to feel real. Beliefs formed in this way can distort our perspective, leaving us blind to opportunities.
NLP and the Power of Recognition
This is where Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) proves to be an invaluable tool. NLP helps people identify the stories they tell themselves and distinguish between fact and fiction. By recognising when the mind is manufacturing false evidence, leaders and teams can stop feeding the fear cycle.
The shift begins with awareness:
Notice the story: Am I imagining an outcome that hasn’t happened?
Challenge the evidence: What facts support this belief? What facts contradict it?
Reframe the thinking: Instead of “AI will replace me,” try “AI could enhance what I do and create new opportunities.”
This reframing process interrupts anxiety loops and redirects attention toward more constructive, opportunity-focused thinking.
From Fear to Value
One of the most liberating insights that comes from this process is realising that fears are not reality. Once you see that F.E.A.R. is false evidence, you can start to explore the new value you bring to the table.
For example, instead of worrying that AI will replace human input, leaders can ask:
How can I leverage AI to improve decision-making and performance?
What unique human capabilities (empathy, creativity, leadership) do I bring that AI cannot replicate?
Where are the opportunities to combine technology with human skills to deliver greater value?
This mindset shift not only reduces anxiety but also empowers leaders and teams to become proactive drivers of innovation rather than passive observers of change.
Why This Matters for Leaders
For organisations, the cost of unaddressed F.E.A.R. is high. When leaders and teams operate from avoidance or self-sabotage, they miss opportunities to adapt, grow, and lead the market. Left unchecked, fear-driven behaviours can stall innovation, weaken collaboration, and increase resistance to change.
By contrast, when leaders recognise the pattern of F.E.A.R. and consciously redirect focus toward opportunity, they unlock resilience and creativity across their teams. They model clarity under pressure. An essential leadership trait in times of transformation.
Moving Forward
The future of work will always involve some degree of uncertainty. New technologies, new market dynamics, and new customer expectations will continue to reshape industries. The leaders who thrive will not be those who avoid fear, but those who learn to see through it.
NLP offers practical tools for recognising when false evidence is distorting thinking, and for reframing those patterns into constructive action. By doing so, leaders not only protect themselves from the paralysis of fear but also position their teams to embrace change and find the hidden opportunities within it.
At Momentum, we believe that better leadership starts with clarity. Recognising and addressing F.E.A.R. is one way leaders can create stronger performance and clearer communication in times of change.
Your advocate for growth and the value of human intelligence,
Jorge
If you’d like to explore how NLP-based coaching can support your organisation in navigating workplace changes, let’s start a conversation. https://www.momentumgrowthcoaching.com.au/businesses-and-teams
_________________________________
In this blog, I've shared just a glimpse of a few NLP concepts and techniques. If this sparks your curiosity and you'd like to explore more, or even consider becoming an NLP Practitioner yourself, we'd be delighted to welcome you to our in-person NLP certification training. Our next sessions are scheduled to run in Melbourne this October and in Sydney in December 2025.
Click here to learn more about our NLP Certification Training and secure your place.
__________________________________________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER FOR GENERAL HEALTH CONTENT
The information and recommendations provided in our videos, presentations, webinars, e-books, online courses, blog, website and all other digital materials (together ‘Content’) are based on our own research, experience and views. The information is intended to be general information, covering general health issues and common life. Whilst we try our best to ensure that the information in our Content is accurate, sometimes there may be errors, inaccuracies or new research that has not been included.
We hope you find this information helpful but please be aware that any information, recommendations or comments may not be suitable for your particular circumstances and you should not take anything in our Content as personal advice. The information in our Content is offered in good faith and it is not specific to any one person or any personal circumstances.
For this reason, we cannot be held liable for any decisions you make based on any of our Content, information, recommendations or views. Any decision you take based on information in this Content is done at your own risk and any consequences, as a result, are your own. You shall indemnify this website, business, its directors and employees for any and all claims, whether resulting directly or indirectly from your actions based on our Content.
Comments by the moderator are the views of the person posting only and are not intended to be taken as advice for you personally. The persons posting and providing the information are not necessarily health professionals and should you need specific advice for your circumstances, you should consult your own health or medical professional.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This Content is the copyright of Vikki Da Rocha and Jorge Da Rocha t/a Momentum Growth Coaching © 2025. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the Content in any form is prohibited.
You may not share, copy or redistribute this Content in any medium or format at any time. Our Content is for your individual personal use only and may not be used for commercial purposes. You are not permitted to make any derivative material, including but not limited to copying, reproducing, transforming, sharing or building upon the Content in whole or any part thereof. For any other use or distribution, you must have express written consent from Momentum Growth Coaching.
