Do it Scared & Build Self-Confidence: How to Push Through Fear

Have you ever felt stuck, or stagnant in certain areas of your life? Or maybe your life in general? You are not alone in this feeling, and it is important to not beat yourself up about it. In our day-to-day lives, fear often takes the lead and tells us the same old stories over and over, keeping us in the same spot that we know we want to grow out of.

Artist: ToYouFromSteph

This discussion came up in one of my past therapy sessions, when my therapist brought the phrase to my attention: “Leading with fear does not allow for curiosity”…

Fear innately wants to keep us safe and comfortable. This is a primal instinct, and necessary to keep us from harm, but often the greatest experiences, growth and abundance exist on the other side of fear.

We must do things that feel scary and uncomfortable in order to reach new heights. When we push through fear and take inspired action towards our desires and goals, our ego will always have us feeling uncomfortable, or fearful, because it wants to keep us comfortable and safe. I've found this empowering to keep in mind.

To make the shifts you desire in your life, you MUST be willing to be uncomfortable. You must DO IT SCARED.

Leading with Fear

When we lead with fear, our vision becomes narrow, our minds closed off to the endless possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zone. We become paralyzed by what-ifs and worst-case scenarios, unable to see the beauty and potential that surround us. Fear breeds stagnation, keeping us trapped in the safety of the familiar, while curiosity carries us forward, urging us to venture into the unknown with open hearts and open minds.

Leading with Curiosity

Curiosity propels us towards growth, understanding and connection. Curiosity is the spark that ignites innovation, the fuel that drives progress. It is what compels us to ask questions, to seek answers, to challenge the status quo. Without curiosity, we remain stagnant, clinging to outdated beliefs and limitations. But when we embrace curiosity, we invite growth and expansion into our lives, opening ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities.

Leading with curiosity requires courage—the willingness to step into the unknown, to embrace uncertainty, to let go of the need for control. It requires us to cultivate a mindset of possibility, to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and discovery.

Let’s explore some actions you can take to practice pushing through fear and leaning into your curiosity…

1. Recognize Fear as a Natural Response

The first step to pushing through fear is recognizing that it’s a natural, often protective response. Fear is our brain's way of alerting us to potential danger, but it doesn’t always distinguish between real and perceived threats. By acknowledging that fear is a part of our experience, we can begin to understand it rather than let it control us.

2. Shift Your Perspective

Instead of viewing fear as something to avoid, try to reframe it as a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. This shift in perspective can transform fear into excitement, as you start to see it as a catalyst for growth rather than a barrier.

Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this experience?" or "How might this challenge help me grow?" By focusing on the potential benefits, you can diminish the power that fear holds over you.

3. Start Small

Pushing through fear doesn’t mean diving headfirst into the most terrifying situation you can imagine. Start small by taking incremental steps towards what scares you. This might mean having a difficult conversation, trying a new activity, or exploring a new idea. Each small step builds your confidence, making it easier to embrace curiosity over time.

4. Embrace Uncertainty

Curiosity thrives in the unknown. To foster curiosity, practice embracing uncertainty instead of resisting it. Remind yourself that you don’t need to have all the answers. Take it day by day, as that’s all we really have. Allow yourself to explore without the pressure of knowing exactly where you’re going.

5. Surround Yourself with Support

Facing fear alone can be overwhelming. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages curiosity and growth. Whether this be an online community, membership or in-person groups, clubs, a circle of friends… Share your fears with others who can offer encouragement and share their own experiences of overcoming fear. Knowing you’re not alone can make the journey less daunting and more empowering.

6. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help you stay present in the moment, rather than getting lost in fear-based thoughts about the future. By focusing on the here and now, you can observe your fears without judgment and choose how to respond to them. Modalities like meditation, yoga, reiki, qigong, painting, writing, playing an instrument, walking etc. - anything that gets you in a meditative "flow" state can allow you to respond to situations with curiosity and openness, rather than reacting from a place of fear.

7. Celebrate Your Courage

Finally, celebrate the courage it takes to push through fear and embrace curiosity. Every time you step out of your comfort zone, acknowledge your bravery. Recognizing your progress reinforces your ability to face future fears with even more confidence.

Pushing Through Fear Builds Self-Confidence

In my own experience, the more that I lean into my curiosity, desire for change and expansion, the greater my self-confidence, self-trust and self-love grow. I continue to be shown the power of taking inspired action and having faith that the universe/god/spirit is ALWAYS co-conspiring in our favour.

This was NOT always the case for me. I spent many days and nights of my life dreaming about possibilities, ideas, desires… but not taking action due to the fear of failure, judgement, challenges, etc.

I can tell you now with certainty that only YOU suffer when you don’t take action on your curiosity and allow it to lead you down different paths. I also find it empowering and encouraging to know that any desire that comes up for you repeatedly, is there for a reason.

Miley Cyrus Disney Legends Acceptance Speech

Fear is going to be there – but in the inspiring words of Miley Cyrus when she recently accepted her Disney Legend Award: “It’s legendary to be scared and do it anyways. There’s no such thing as failure if you try”.

I invite you to release the grip of fear that holds you back and instead embrace the curiosity that lies within you. Even when things may not seem to be beautiful and wondrous, you can feel proud of yourself for choosing to not reside in the shackles of the “what-ifs”.

Xo,

Erin