Scare Yourself Today

I'm heading to Mongolia soon. It'll be my first time there since 2017, so needless to say, I'm excited! It will be fun to reconnect with friends, meet new people, hold some productive meetings, and immerse myself back into the Mongolian culture. This topic recently came up during a conversation with a friend.

"You're going to Mongolia!?!? I could never do anything like that!"

"Why not?"

"I would be too nervous."

"So?"

"I don't like doing things that make me nervous. So I don't think I could ever do something like that."

I feel bad for my friend. Not because I think he should go to Mongolia, but because he's missing out on so much of life by avoiding being uncomfortable.

The first time I went to Asia, I was terrified. I loved it.

The first time I went to the Middle East, I was terrified. I loved it.

The first time I published a podcast, I was terrified. I now love it.

The first time I financially coached a family, I was terrified. It soon became second nature.

It's a cycle: Be fearful > do something scary > grow from it > become less scared > do it again > experience more growth > possibly learn to like it.

If I took an inventory of all the things I most enjoy doing and add the most value to my life, most could be traced back to an origin of fear.

I'm not alone in this sentiment. Countless people I know would say the exact same thing: Do things you're scared of. Don't wait until you're no longer afraid.....do them despite being afraid.

I'm sorry to say it, but I don't know how to coach people through this. I've tried, but fear is a powerful force. Instead, each of us has a powerful role to play. First, we need to live it. Do things we're scared of. Grow. Be less scared next time. Repeat.

Second, we need to share our stories with others. People don't want to be told what to do, but they are moved by the experiences of others. That's where you come in. Share your stories. Vulnerably share how you were afraid....and then what came from it. Those are remarkable stories. They WILL move the needle in others.

Then, if all goes well, those people will become the new do-scary-things champions, sharing their own stories with the others.

Do something scary today!

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