Doing It Afraid.

Fear. It’s a primal emotion, a built-in alarm system that keeps us safe from danger. But sometimes, fear overstays its welcome, morphing from a helpful guide into a paralyzing force. It whispers doubts, magnifies risks, and keeps us stuck in the comfort zone, even when that comfort feels stagnant. This is where the concept of “doing it afraid” comes in. It’s the idea of taking action despite the presence of fear. It’s not about ignoring fear or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about acknowledging it, understanding it, and then choosing to move forward anyway.

Why We Should Do It Afraid

There are many reasons to embrace action even when fear is knocking at the door. Here are a few:

• Growth Lies Outside the Comfort Zone: Stepping outside our comfort zone is where real growth happens. It’s where we learn new skills, build resilience, and discover hidden capabilities. Fear often guards the entrance to this zone, but by pushing through it, we unlock a world of possibilities.
• Fear Can Be Misleading: Fear is a powerful motivator, but it’s not always an accurate judge. Often, the things we fear the most turn out to be less scary in reality. Taking that first step, even if trembling, can help us see that the perceived danger was mostly in our heads.
• Opportunities Don’t Wait: Life is full of fleeting opportunities. If we wait for fear to vanish completely, we might miss out on some truly life-changing experiences. By acting despite the fear, we open ourselves up to possibilities we might have otherwise missed.

Taking Action with Fear as a Companion

So, how do we actually “do it afraid”? Here are some tips:

• Acknowledge Your Fear: The first step is to recognize the fear. Don’t try to push it down or ignore it. Instead, acknowledge its presence and understand what it’s trying to tell you.
• Focus on the “Why”: Remind yourself of the reasons you’re taking this step. What are you hoping to achieve? What excites you about this opportunity? A strong “why” can be a powerful motivator when fear tries to pull you back.
• Start Small: Don’t try to conquer your biggest fear right away. Begin with smaller, more manageable steps. This will build your confidence and make taking on bigger challenges seem less daunting. See The Power Of Small Beginnings.
• Celebrate Each Victory: As you take action, no matter how small, celebrate your victories. Acknowledge your courage and resilience. This positive reinforcement will keep you moving forward.

Remember, fear is a natural part of the human experience. Everyone feels it. But by learning to do it afraid, we unlock a world of possibilities and growth. We discover a strength we never knew we had, and open ourselves up to a life filled with experiences that would have remained out of reach if we let fear be the final word.