Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway

Do you ever feel like you’ve just come face to face with Michael Myers when confronted with a big decision, challenge or goal? 🎃 Well, this Halloween we’re jumping into Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers to help get you moving through the terror. 😱 

We all experience fear, but what if, instead of letting it hold us back, we could turn it into a source of empowerment? That’s the essence of this transformative book which dives deep into the nature of fear and offers practical tools to help us face it, take action and find fulfilment on the other side.

In this inspiring guide, Jeffers explains that fear is a universal experience - everyone has it! But we don’t have to let it limit us. Instead, by changing our mindset and taking proactive steps, we can build confidence, create positive habits, and move toward our goals, even when we feel scared.

In Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Susan Jeffers encourages readers to recognise fear as a natural part of life. Instead of trying to eliminate fear, Jeffers suggests embracing it and using it as a signal to grow and push forward. She argues that the root of most fear is a lack of confidence in our ability to handle what life throws at us. Rather than focusing on avoiding discomfort, Jeffers teaches us to build the inner resilience to face challenges head-on.

The book introduces a powerful concept: that moving forward, even in the presence of fear, is what ultimately builds our self-confidence and strengthens our ability to handle life’s uncertainties. Jeffers provides actionable tools, including affirmations, visualisation exercises and mindset shifts, to help us cultivate courage and take control of our lives.

Now, let’s unpack Jeffers’ Five Truths About Fear, which are introduced in this book, with five key takeaways and actionable tips that will help you start facing your fears today!

🪦 1. Fear Will Never Go Away as Long as You Continue to Grow

Jeffers explains that fear is a natural response to anything new or challenging. Every time we step outside of our comfort zones, fear appears. This doesn’t mean we’re doing something wrong; it means we’re stretching ourselves. Since growth and progress inherently involve taking on new challenges, fear will continue to arise each time we level up. Embracing this truth reminds us that fear doesn’t go away - it just evolves as we do.

💪🏻 Actionable Tip: Reframe fear as a sign of growth. When you feel fear, remind yourself that it’s a sign you’re growing. Write down one personal or professional goal that scares you, break it down into manageable tasks and then take one small action towards it. Embracing this step will remind you that fear is not a stop sign, but rather a guide showing you where growth lies.

🪦 2. The Only Way to Overcome Fear is to Face It

In Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Jeffers emphasises that avoidance only strengthens fear. By continually avoiding fearful situations, we allow fear to dictate our decisions and limit our experiences. On the other hand, facing fear head-on - whether it’s having a difficult conversation, making a career change, or trying something new - helps us realise that we are capable of handling it. The more we confront our fears, the weaker they become.

💪🏻 Actionable Tip: Identify one fear to face this week. Choose something you’ve been avoiding, like speaking up in a meeting or tackling a long-delayed task. Schedule a time to take a small action toward it this week. By confronting fear directly, you’ll strengthen your resilience and reduce its control over you.

🪦 3. The Only Way to Feel Better About Yourself is to Push Through Fear

Jeffers argues that self-confidence isn’t something we’re born with; it’s built through action. Each time we face a fear and take action, we send a message to ourselves that we’re capable and resilient. This builds self-trust and increases our sense of self-worth. The process of pushing through fear creates a positive feedback loop where every step we take enhances our belief in ourselves, ultimately improving our confidence.

💪🏻 Actionable Tip: Celebrate small wins. Start a “confidence journal” where you document each time you face a fear, no matter how small. Writing down these experiences reinforces your achievements and reminds you of your ability to handle challenges. This habit builds a strong foundation of self-belief over time.

🪦 4. Everyone Feels Fear When Facing the Unknown

Fear is universal; everyone experiences it. While we often assume others have it all figured out, the truth is that even the most successful people encounter fear. Knowing this can be empowering as it reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles. Instead of seeing fear as a personal weakness, we can view it as a shared experience that unites us with others.

💪🏻 Actionable Tip: Whether through books, podcasts or conversations with friends, seek inspiration from others who have faced and overcome similar fears. Hearing these stories not only normalises fear but also provides insights and motivation to move through it yourself.

🪦 5. Pushing Through Fear is Less Scary Than Living with Helplessness

According to Jeffers, inaction in the face of fear often leads to a sense of helplessness and regret. Living with fear-fueled regret can create a feeling of powerlessness that’s often worse than the fear itself. By taking action, we regain control, overcome inertia and avoid the anxiety that comes from “what ifs” or “I wish I had…” Jeffers insists that even small steps toward overcoming fear can lead to a significant reduction in feelings of helplessness.

💪🏻 Actionable Tip: Replace “What if?” with “What’s the next step?” When you find yourself hesitating due to fear, shift your focus from worst-case scenarios to actionable steps. Ask yourself, “What’s one small thing I can do right now?” Taking that step will help you feel empowered, as even small actions reduce feelings of helplessness and make progress possible.

Want to learn more? If you would like to buy a copy of Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway and support us at the same time, you can shop at our affiliate link here. When you buy through this link, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We’re excited to share our takeaways and insights from the top non-fiction books each week and truly enjoy writing this newsletter. Thank you for your support and for being part of our growing community. 📚️ 

Susan Jeffers’ “Five Truths About Fear” offer powerful insights into how we can navigate and even embrace fear. Instead of viewing fear as an enemy, Jeffers encourages us to see it as a natural and valuable part of the growth process. The truths remind us that fear will always be present, but with the right mindset and actions, it doesn’t have to stand in the way of our dreams and goals. By adopting these truths and taking small steps, you can transform fear into a catalyst for confidence and fulfilment.

Are you ready to channel your inner Laurie Strode and tackle your fears head-on? 🎃 As always, you can update us on your journey here…I promise we won’t ghost you. 👻 

Until next time, stay thriving! 🧟 

Beck
Team Thrive in Five