5 Ways to Take Action When You’re Scared

Fear is a tricky companion. It whispers, nags, and sometimes screams that you’re not ready, not enough, or that now isn’t the right time. You feel the stirrings of change, you hear the whisper of possibility… and then fear shows up.

Maybe it’s fear of failing, looking foolish, or letting yourself or others down. Maybe it’s a quiet, nagging anxiety that keeps you frozen, even though you know deep down that moving forward is what you need.

You’re not alone. Every hero experiences this. The difference isn’t that fear disappears—it’s that they take action anyway. Courage isn’t about not feeling scared. It’s about stepping forward despite it.

Fear shows up in many ways when you’re ready to change:

• Overthinking: You imagine all the ways it could go wrong instead of what could go right.

• Procrastination: Waiting for the “perfect” time or circumstance keeps you stuck.

• Self-doubt: You question if you’re worthy, capable, or prepared.

• Overwhelm: The next steps feel too big, too unknown, too risky.

The result? You stay in the same place. You replay the same patterns. You watch opportunities pass while your dreams quietly whisper for attention.

Here’s the truth: fear isn’t your enemy—it’s your signal. It means you’re stepping into something that matters. The more scared you feel, the more growth is waiting on the other side.

Courage doesn’t mean ignoring fear. It means:

• Recognizing it

• Respecting it

• Taking action anyway

Even small steps matter. They build confidence, momentum, and clarity. Each brave action becomes proof that you can handle what’s ahead.

1. Start tiny.
   You don’t need to overhaul your life in a single day. Take one small, manageable step toward your goal—just one.

2. Name the fear.
   Write down exactly what’s holding you back. Seeing it on paper often makes it less intimidating.

3. Visualize success, not failure.
   Spend a few minutes imagining what it looks and feels like to take that first step. Focus on the positive outcome, not what could go wrong.

4. Anchor yourself in why it matters.
   Remind yourself why this change is important. What will your life feel like if you move forward? What will staying stuck cost you?

5. Use accountability and support.
   Share your goal with a trusted friend, your journal, or your Unstoppables email group. A small check-in or encouragement can make courage feel contagious.

For me, fear showed up in a very real way when I realized I needed to take better care of myself—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I had ignored the warning signs for years: my health, my balance, my energy. I knew I had to act, but fear whispered: “You’ll fail. You don’t have time. You’re not ready.”

I started with tiny actions. One healthy meal at a time. A five-minute walk each morning. A journal entry acknowledging what I wanted for my life. Those small acts of courage began to build momentum. Slowly, fear lost its power, and hope and confidence grew in its place.

You don’t have to be fearless. You don’t have to wait until you feel ready. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s acting in spite of it.

The steps you take now, even if small or imperfect, are the ones that move you closer to the life you’re meant to live. Every action you take is proof that fear can coexist with growth. ⚡

• Download the Answering the Call Journal to explore where fear shows up in your life and how to take courageous action.

• Join the Unstoppables email list for support, encouragement, and actionable strategies to face resistance and keep moving forward.