Through Fear, Failure, and the Fight for Change
https://differencemakers.substack.com/p/beauty-out-of-ashes
Q: Your story seems to be deeply rooted in the theme of change and transformation, particularly in how the characters evolve emotionally and mentally. Can you share what inspired this narrative?
JM: It would be my joy to do so. At its core, the story is about the struggle to embrace change when everything around you feels like it's against you. Each character reflects a different way people resist or accept transformation in their lives. Cedric, for instance, clings to the past because it’s familiar, refusing to acknowledge the changes that could save the company. But the protagonist—who I believe represents many of us—takes back control by confronting not just external challenges, but internal ones, too.
The journey is ultimately one of learning to regulate emotions and mindset. In the face of overwhelming odds, the protagonist discovers that the biggest battle isn’t with Cedric, the company, or the market, but with fear—fear of failure, fear of discomfort. And it’s through confronting that fear that growth happens.
Q: Could you elaborate on the neuroscience behind this transformation? How does the brain respond to change and emotional challenges?
JM: Neuroscience plays a big part in the story’s message. Our brains are wired to resist change—this is a survival mechanism. The concept of neuroplasticity, which I mention in the story, refers to the brain's ability to reorganise itself, essentially rewiring its patterns in response to new experiences. But here's the catch: the brain prefers familiar patterns because they’re safe. When we face change, especially uncomfortable or uncertain change, the brain triggers a fear response, often causing us to retreat into old habits—just like Cedric does.
However, the protagonist is aware of this. They know that to break free from this cycle, they need to disrupt those patterns. Emotional regulation, from a neurological perspective, is about managing the amygdala's fear response and engaging the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thought and decision-making. The more we practice this—acknowledging fear without letting it dictate our actions—the more our brain rewires itself to handle discomfort more effectively. This is where growth happens, both in mindset and emotional resilience.
Q: It sounds like the story’s emphasis on discomfort is directly tied to this understanding of neuroplasticity and the brain’s resistance to change. But as I read, I noticed there’s also a strong undercurrent of faith. Can you speak to the biblical foundation that supports this journey of transformation?
JM: Absolutely. The biblical foundation is essential to understanding the deeper layers of the story. One of the verses that guided me while writing was Matthew 13:5-6, where Jesus speaks about seeds falling on rocky ground. In the same way, Cedric’s mind is like that rocky soil—any attempt at growth or transformation is scorched before it can take root. This reflects how fear, pride, or complacency can block God’s work in our lives.
The Bible is full of stories about people who had to confront their fears and step into the unknown. Take Moses, for example—he had to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, knowing full well the challenges ahead. Yet, his faith in God’s plan allowed him to embrace discomfort and change. Similarly, the protagonist’s journey in the story mirrors this biblical principle: growth requires discomfort, and faith plays a huge role in that.
The verse from Philippians 4:6-7 also comes to mind: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The protagonist learns that while the circumstances are out of their control, they can regulate their emotions and mindset by trusting the process, by stepping into faith, and by understanding that peace comes from within—through God.
Q: You make a powerful connection between faith and emotional regulation. It seems like the story is not just about external change, but about taking back control of one’s mindset. How does the protagonist learn to regulate their emotions and take back control of their mental health?
JM: That’s exactly right. The protagonist’s journey is as much about internal transformation as it is about external change. At first, they are frustrated, feeling like they’re up against impossible odds—Cedric’s resistance, the company’s inertia, their own doubts. But gradually, they realise that the situation is what it is, and the only thing they can truly control is their response to it.
This is where emotional regulation comes in. The protagonist learns to pause, to breathe, and to reflect instead of reacting out of frustration or fear. There’s a key moment where they realise that fear is a liar—it tells us that staying safe, staying comfortable, is the best option. But in reality, it’s that very comfort that’s trapping them. By confronting fear, by embracing discomfort, they take back control of their mind, their emotions, and ultimately their life.
This mirrors the biblical concept of renewing your mind—Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The protagonist does exactly that. They stop conforming to the fear-based mindset of the boardroom and begin to think differently—to see discomfort as a path to growth, not something to be avoided.
Q: It seems that the protagonist’s transformation is gradual, and much of it is about learning to embrace discomfort rather than avoid it. What message do you hope readers take away from this journey, both on a personal and spiritual level?
JM: I hope readers walk away with the understanding that true growth doesn’t happen in comfort. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal development, the real breakthroughs come when we step out of our comfort zones. The story is a reminder that fear, discomfort, and even failure are not the end—they’re often the beginning of something greater. And as Rick Warren has said, “There is no growth without change. No change without loss or fear. And no loss without pain.” In short, there is no growth without pain.
On a personal level, I want readers to feel empowered to take back control of their mindset. We can’t control the circumstances around us, but we can control how we respond to them. Emotional regulation is a powerful tool—it’s about acknowledging our feelings, understanding where they come from, and choosing to move forward with purpose rather than being paralysed by fear.
Spiritually, I hope readers see that faith is key to navigating these challenges. When we trust in Jesus Christ as something greater than ourselves, when we hold on to the belief that discomfort leads to growth, we find the strength to keep going. In the end, it’s about letting go of fear and stepping forward in faith, knowing that God is with us in the fire, guiding us through the transformation.
Q: Thank you for sharing these insights. It’s clear that this story is not just about business or leadership—it’s about the deeper journey of personal transformation and faith.
JM: Thank you. That’s exactly what I hoped to convey. Change is hard, but it’s also where we find our true strength. And through faith, we discover that we don’t have to face it alone.