If it terrifies you, do it
I’ve been thinking about what my response would be if I ever become famous and some podcaster (preferably Tim Ferriss) asks me what my life mantra is.
Here’s the current response: If it terrifies you, do it.
Yet society promotes the exact opposite:
If it’s easy, do it.
If it comforts you, do it.
If it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, do it.
No, no, no.
Fear is a strange emotion. It’s the only one I’m aware of that can make you:
Curl up in a ball like a gerbil quivering in the corner OR
Ready to head into the heat of battle like a gym rat after four scoops of NO Xplode
So why not harness fear and use it to our benefit?
Society is brainwashing us to lean into our softness. We’re developing soft attitudes, soft beliefs, and extra soft physiques.
Let’s make leaning into our fears cool again.
It could be something small like when you feel frightened to walk up and say something to the cute girl at Walmart (or wherever singles meet these days).
It could be something big like that recurring dream that you know will change everything but aren’t sure if it’ll be for better or worse. Breaking up with your toxic partner. Quitting your dead end job. Starting your lemonade stand (or other more lucrative venture).
Doesn’t matter. If it terrifies you, do it.
The instant we notice we are scared to do something — pause and recognize it as a gift. It’s an AHA moment.
For example, I’m terrified to approach an intimidating stranger at a networking event. AHA! I must go up and say something. Anything. Instead of quivering in the corner like a gerbil.
It’s easy to forget that fear is just exhilaration in a different form. And shouldn’t we all do more of what exhilarates us?
The best part about doing what terrifies you is that the fear dissolves. Because 99% of the time, we don’t die after doing the thing. The other 1% is an unfortunate necessity. Or else there’d be no fear without the risk of death.
So yeah, there’s a 1% chance that you and I could die the next time we do something that terrifies us. But that’s a risk I’m willing to take. Are you?
Contrary to popular belief, death is not the worst of all bad things, in fact, there’s nothing bad about it at all except the thing that comes before it — the fear of death.
As is the case with most of the words I write — this is meant to serve as a kick in the pants for myself rather than a sermon to you, my dear reader.
This topic came to mind because I’ve been awfully complacent lately. I’m too comfortable with my daily routines and overall existence. So I’m taking that as a sign to give a little jiggle to the snow globe of my life.
I haven’t felt the exhilarating energy of fear in far too long. So I need to actively seek out what terrifies me, and go do it.
What if we lean into all of our fears? Is it possible to run out of them? And if so, then what?
That’s another essay for another time.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a networking event to attend.
What terrifies you? Do you ever do it?
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Bro, I swear that you and I have the same ideas all the time. We need to hop on a call asap
This is a great reminder. I want to be more intentional in seeking discomfort. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve done something that scares me. I’ve thought about taking an acting class just for shits and giggles. I’m afraid I’ll look like a loser and fail miserably. However, I’ve found every time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, it paid off in tenfold!