Embracing Fear as a Companion on the Journey to Growth
During my morning reflection and journaling today, I wrote something that gave me pause:
I am scared. I can feel fear in my gut. I know it wants me to fight with it. Instead, I embrace the fear. I know that it will be my companion on this journey. I don’t need to fight it. Instead, I can use its energy to propel me forward.
These words capture a pivotal moment in my journey as I grow My Personal Best Coaching and prepare to launch the next cohort of Game-Ready Confidence. As I reread them, I realized how deeply fear is intertwined with the process of pursuing something meaningful.
We’re often taught to view fear as an enemy—something to suppress, ignore, or conquer. It’s framed as a weakness, a sign that we’re not ready. But what if fear isn’t a signal to stop? What if, instead, it’s an invitation to lean in?
Fear as Fuel
When I acknowledge my fear, I notice something powerful: fear is energy. It’s my body’s saying, “This matters to you.” The fear I feel isn’t a roadblock; it’s a companion, reminding me that I’m stepping into territory that stretches my potential.
Let’s be honest—anything worth doing usually comes with fear. Launching a business, stepping into leadership, or putting ourselves out there in any capacity means we’re risking failure, judgment, or uncertainty. But it’s in this space of discomfort where the real growth happens.
Instead of fighting fear or letting it paralyze me, I’ve started to embrace it—not in a submissive way but as a partner on the journey. Fear sharpens my focus. It reminds me to prepare, think critically, and stay alert. Most importantly, it pushes me forward.
How to Transform Fear into Forward Motion
Here’s what I’ve learned (and am still learning) about working with fear instead of against it:
Acknowledge It Without Judgment: Naming your fear is powerful. Writing, journaling, or even speaking aloud the words, “I am scared,” takes the sting out of it. It moves fear from an overwhelming sensation to something tangible that you can engage with.
Ask Fear What It’s Protecting: Fear usually shows up when something we value feels at risk. What is it trying to protect? Fear reminds me that I care deeply about the success of My Personal Best Coaching and the impact I want to have. It’s not a warning to stop; it’s a nudge to focus.
Channel Fear’s Energy: Fear is just energy in your body. Instead of letting it spiral into anxiety or avoidance, redirect that energy toward action. Use it to make progress, even if it’s one small step. Fear thrives on inaction; forward motion weakens its grip.
Keep Perspective: Fear often exaggerates the stakes. When I zoom out, I remind myself that launching this next cohort isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about making a difference in the lives of the young athletes I serve.
Walking with Fear
I won’t claim to have conquered fear or always welcome it with open arms. It still shows up unannounced, like an uninvited guest. But I’m learning that fear doesn’t need to be a foe. Walking alongside it, I’ve found clarity, courage, and creativity.
To anyone reading this who feels that knot of fear in their gut as they step into something new:
Don’t let it stop you.
Let it guide you toward what matters.
Let it propel you forward.
After all, fear only shows up when you’re on the brink of growth. Embrace it—it’s proof that you’re on the right path.
What’s one fear you can embrace today?
Let’s take the journey together.
