What Lenin’s Risk in 1917 Can Teach Us About Facing the Fear of Change in 2024
In April 1917, Lenin found himself exiled in Switzerland for almost two decades, he had been leading the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democrats from afar.
Yet the political tide in Russia was turning. The old empire was crumbling, and the Russian Provisional Government was struggling to maintain control.
Lenin, saw an opportunity to seize power, but first, he had to get back to Russia.
The Germans, in a desperate bid to weaken their Russian enemies in the midst of World War I, saw an opportunity to use Lenin as a pawn.
They arranged for him to travel back to Russia via a “sealed train.”
A special arrangement that would carry Lenin and his fellow exiles safely across enemy lines, protected from the threat of assassination or capture.
It wasn’t just the risk of crossing enemy territory that made Lenin’s journey bold, it was the political risk involved.
He was accused of treason.
The very idea of negotiating with the enemy to secure his return was seen as a betrayal by many in Russia.
If Lenin failed, not only would his revolution end before it began, but he could be imprisoned or executed.
Despite the monumental risks, Lenin understood that to change history, one must be willing to face danger head-on.
His journey to Russia wasn't just a physical passage, it was a symbol of the risk and uncertainty that come with any major transformation.
The Fear of Change: A Universal Struggle
While Lenin’s journey was fraught with geopolitical implications, the fear he faced, the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, is a universal experience.
Today, in 2024, we still wrestle with similar anxieties.
Whether we're contemplating a career change, starting a new business, or even making a personal change like moving to a new city, the fear of stepping into the unknown often paralyzes us.
But just as Lenin's journey was necessary for the revolution to succeed, change in our own lives is necessary for growth.
It’s easy to stay comfortable in familiar routines, to avoid the discomfort of new challenges.
But comfort does not lead to transformation. Growth does.
Lenin’s courage to face the unknown is a reminder that the path to meaningful change is often paved with discomfort and uncertainty.
The first step toward revolution, whether on a global scale or personal scale, is the willingness to embrace risk.
The Power of Curiosity and Exploration
One of the driving forces behind Lenin’s boldness was his unyielding curiosity and commitment to the cause.
He was not content with the status quo, nor was he willing to accept the limitations of his circumstances.
Like many great leaders, Lenin was constantly seeking new ways to move forward. He was willing to explore dangerous paths because he believed in the possibility of a better future.
Similarly, our own internal revolutions begin with curiosity.
The desire to explore new paths, even when we don’t have all the answers, can push us beyond the limits of what we think is possible.
It’s about questioning the status quo, seeking growth, and being willing to take steps into the unknown with the confidence that we are capable of handling whatever comes next.
When we face a new challenge, we often allow fear to overshadow our curiosity.
But curiosity is the antidote to fear.
It turns the unknown into an exciting opportunity instead of an overwhelming obstacle.
The key is to approach change not as something to be feared, but as something to be explored.
What’s at Stake? The Cost of Inaction
It’s easy to look at the risks and decide not to act, but inaction comes with its own price.
When we avoid change out of fear, we stagnate. We miss opportunities for personal growth, we forgo the potential to achieve our dreams, and we ultimately regret not taking action.
The fear of making a wrong decision or failing keeps many people from pursuing their goals.
But, as history shows, those who take bold risks are often the ones who change the world.
Lenin’s revolution came at the cost of his safety, his reputation, and his life, but without that leap, the entire course of history could have been different.
On a smaller scale, we each face similar decisions every day.
What are the costs of inaction in your life?
If you don’t take the leap into that new career, chase that entrepreneurial dream, or take the risk to move to a new city, what will you lose?
Often, the things we regret most are the opportunities we didn’t take. Those moments when fear held us back from making the change we knew we needed to make.
In the end, Lenin suffered three debilitating strokes in 1922 and 1923 before his death in 1924, with Joseph Stalin succeeding him as the pre-eminent figure in the Soviet government.
How to Create Your Own Internal Revolution
Lenin's journey shows us that true transformation, whether in a nation or in our personal lives, requires bold action.
But how do we embrace that kind of change in our own lives? Here’s a process to help you get started:
- Identify What Needs to Change: What areas of your life feel stagnant? What dreams or goals have you been putting off due to fear or uncertainty? Like Lenin, you need to first identify the revolution you want to create within yourself.
- Accept the Risk: Change is always risky. There’s no such thing as a "safe" revolution. If you're waiting for perfect conditions or complete certainty, you'll be waiting forever. Accept that risk is part of the journey, and that failure is simply a stepping stone toward success.
- Take the First Step: Lenin didn’t hesitate to board the sealed train. He took the first step into the unknown. Start small if you must, but take action today. The longer you wait, the more you reinforce the fear that keeps you stuck.
- Persevere Through Uncertainty: Like Lenin, you may face doubts, criticism, or failure along the way. But perseverance in the face of uncertainty is what turns revolutions into realities. Keep pushing forward, even when the path is unclear.
- Reflect and Adapt: The revolution doesn’t happen overnight, and it won’t look exactly as you expected. As you move forward, take time to reflect, adapt, and adjust your approach. Lenin didn’t control
The Revolution Starts Within
Lenin’s journey to Russia in 1917 was a turning point in history.
It wasn’t just a political move, it was a bold, risky step into the unknown that changed the world.
In 2024 as it's nearing its end, we are all facing our own internal revolutions.
The path ahead may seem difficult and full of uncertainty, but just like Lenin, we have the power to embrace change and create something extraordinary.
Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back.
Take the leap.
Create your own revolution.
The world is waiting for you to make your move.
