Don’t let fear rob you of joy. I think I can end my blog post with just that simple sentence! This has been something that has been on my mind for a LONG time but it’s something that I think everyone needs to be reminded of, even though we all know it’s true. It is so easy to not try new things or never go certain places or not start a new business because of the FEAR. But, when you don’t do things simply because you are afraid of them, you also don’t experience the joy that can be associated with overcoming your fears.
I’ve learned more and more over the years how important it is to do things that scare you, and here’s why:
1. It boosts your confidence. Allowing yourself to step out of your comfort zone and do something that truly terrifies you will make you feel so much more confident once you finally do it. You’ll realize that even though it was scary to step out, you can look back and think “YEAH! I did that!!” Feel super proud of yourself when you do things that scare you because not everyone works up the courage to do that.
2. It makes you happier. Do you know that exhilarating feeling you get just after you get off a roller coaster? Ok, maybe not everybody gets that feeling but imagine something in your life that gives you a rush of excitement. Doing things that scare you will give you that rush of excitement once you’ve completed it. I’m not talking about adventure junkies that just want the next big thrill. This feeling can happen after something as little as talking to a stranger. When you conquer something that scared you, you feel happier because you get excited about the fact that you did it. You conquered “it”!
3. It provides opportunities for personal growth. Maybe you step out and you do something that scared you and it doesn’t turn out as you hoped. Let’s take the example of talking to a stranger about your business. You may be scared to talk to them and when you finally get the courage up to do it, they shut you down and you’re embarrassed. For many people, this will be the one and only time they try to do something like that ever again. The real heroes are the ones that take those failed attempts and instead of banking it as “one more reason why I should be scared”, they go out and they get the courage to try again. When you try again, you are growing. You are giving yourself the opportunity to once more overcome the fear that you have. It may fail time and time again but you’ll notice that as you try each time, you will grow into someone who knows how to handle the situation regardless of the outcome.
4. You will inspire others. People overcome their own fears because they are inspired by people who overcame theirs. We look up to the fearless ones. We want to be one of those people that can face anything. When you face your fears, people will look up to you and they will be inspired by you. Share your experiences of overcoming fear with other people and encourage them to do the same. Cheer on the people that are scared because that’s all of us at one point or another!
When you face your fears, good things will come from it. Not only does facing your fears make you a happier, more confident, inspiring person who is constantly developing; it also gives you absolute freedom!!!! Freedom to enjoy life fully and without any inhibitions. Freedom to encourage others. Freedom to be yourself.
I’m walking the road towards fearless freedom every day and lately, my motto has been: “Do one thing that scares you every day.” It’s a challenge. Facing our fears is not easy. Sometimes I face the same fear for a few days in a row. But each time I come up against something I’m afraid of, I gain a little more confidence and a little more strength to overcome my fears and I know that you can too.
Take some time to comment below on a fear you faced this week. I’d love to hear about what you’re doing to work towards freedom!