Drawing a Line in the Sand: Pushing Past Fear and Taking Action

Over the weekend, I wrapped up the initial development of six leadership workshops geared toward youth. What began as a community-focused passion project — unrelated to my business — sparked a flood of ideas and clarity about where I want to take my business in the coming year.

But here’s the thing: I don’t really have a business yet. Sure, I’ve been getting up well before the sun for over a year to complete my certification as a life coach. I’ve poured hours into creating client avatars, business models, projections, social media calendars, and everything in between.

What I haven’t done is actually hit "publish" on my social media accounts or finish setting up my website. I haven’t let you all know I’m here, ready to help you thrive.

And the reason? Fear.

I’m so excited about what I have planned, but I’m also terrified. Right now, Google Workspace and my virtual best friend, “Chat,” know more about my business than anyone else does. The problem is obvious: Google and ChatGPT aren’t real people. They don’t care, and they’re not going to book a coaching session.

So this week, I’m drawing a line in the sand. I have to push through the excuses and start. I may still be scared. I may still have self-doubt. But the first step is always the hardest. Once I build some momentum, I know there’ll be no stopping me.

Five Steps to Push Past Fear and Take Action

1. Acknowledge the Fear Without Letting it Lead: Fear is normal. It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from potential failure or rejection. Instead of trying to eliminate fear, acknowledge it and take action anyway. Recognize that fear often shows up when you’re on the verge of growth.
2. Focus on Your “Why”: When self-doubt creeps in, return to the reason you started this journey. For me, it’s about helping others live authentically, find balance, and thrive. Let your mission and the people you want to serve be the fuel that drives you forward.
3. Break it Down into Bite-Sized Steps: Overwhelm can paralyze you, so simplify. What’s one small, manageable step you can take today? Maybe it’s publishing one post on social media, finishing a section of your website, or reaching out to a potential client. Progress is progress, no matter how small.
4. Commit to Imperfection: Waiting until everything is perfect is a trap. You’ll learn, grow, and refine as you go. Embrace the messiness of starting, knowing that your authenticity will resonate far more than polished perfection ever could.
5. Celebrate Every Win: Each step you take — no matter how small — is a victory. Celebrate it. Momentum builds when you acknowledge and appreciate your progress. Over time, these small wins add up to significant growth.

My friend, if you're reading this, it means I followed my own advice. I took action despite my fear and wrote my first-ever blog post. By focusing on my "why," breaking the task into small steps, and embracing imperfection, I’m taking the first steps on this journey.

Now, I just have to figure out how to get this blog out into the world where you can actually read it!

And here’s the thing — this might not get read. I don’t have an audience yet. But it’s not about getting attention for attention’s sake. It’s about showing up, starting where I am, and trusting the process.

If I stay aligned with my purpose, I hope some of you will come along for the journey. Together, we can push past fear and self-doubt and take meaningful steps toward the lives we want to live.