It’s Time To Be Fearless Again

#2 – Originally Published on August 2, 2024

With the olympics in full-swing, I’ve been watching all of the amazing athletes compete over the last week or so, and women’s gymnastics is still my favorite event by far. I find it both exhilarating and awe-inspiring to watch them flip and fly through the air with no fear – or at least that we can see.

If you’ve read my book already, you know the first chapter is Be Fearless, where I reflect on my much younger days as a tiny gymnast. I won’t spoil the rest for those of you who haven’t read it yet, but here’s the gist of the lesson I learned and shared….

At some point in our lives, most of us were (most likely) pretty fearless. As a full-blown tomboy, my childhood was filled with bumps and bruises thanks to lots of double dares. And over time, due to a combination of nurture and nature, many of us became more and more afraid.

Afraid to try something new, to take a big risk, to put ourselves out there. And while that learned fear may be hard to unlearn, there is something we can all counter it with – Courage.

I’ve heard courage defined as “being afraid and doing it anyway,” and often find in my own life that a good old fashioned deep breath and then taking the “leap” to get started are all I really need to overcome those first few seconds of fear.

And after watching an interview where Simone Biles said “I used to be more fearless,” she did just that. Took a deep breath, and in her case a running start, and absolutely crushed it.

What if that’s all that’s really standing between you and taking the leap … a deep breath and few seconds of courage?

Do you think you can find a way to muster up the strength to push through? I’d bet, YES.

This week, my humble ask is that you re-evaluate something you’ve always wanted to do, but have been putting off due to fear. Then craft a short game plan of what it will actually take to get started (it’s usually much less than you think) and set a deadline for completing step one.

If you need some additional help and encouragement beyond a deep breath, pick one trusted friend to share your plan with and give them permission to hold you accountable.

You have NO IDEA how big the ripple effect of fulfilling that inner calling could be. And whatever it is you have to offer the world on the other side of your fear, we NEED IT. So here’s to finding the courage to take the leap. 🤩

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