5 Things Successful Women do Differently – #2 They do it afraid!
We are continuing our series on the 5 Things Successful Women Do Differently. This series is based on five things I shared with my niece during a recent conversation we had about success. I told her that becoming successful requires following a proven formula because success leaves clues, making the formula easier to decipher. Last week, we talked about belief. Today, we’re diving into the second thing successful women do differently—they do it afraid!
The Second Thing Successful Women Do Differently: They Do It Afraid!
“Underneath your fears lie great opportunities.”
I know… That above quote might sound annoyingly cliché, but it’s true!
I used to roll my eyes when I’d hear self-help gurus make statements like that. I mean, really… DUH! Don’t tell me what I already know. Instead, tell me how to get there!
In my 7 Secrets of a Confident Woman series, I described fear in this way:
There are fundamentally two kinds of fear:
- Rational Fear
- Irrational Fear
Rational Fear causes you to look to the left and right before crossing the street. It’s rooted in our survival instincts, ensuring self-preservation. This kind of fear is essential; it keeps you safe and helps you navigate real dangers.
Irrational Fear, on the other hand, stirs up the same physical sensations—an increased heart rate, blood flow to the extremities, and rapid, shallow breathing. But instead of real danger, it’s fueled by the “what ifs.” “What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m judged?” This type of fear can paralyze you and keep you from taking the steps necessary to achieve your dreams.
Fear Is Only a Feeling
It’s important to understand that fear is only a feeling. Your feelings are the portal to the outside world. We experience life through our feelings, so they are neither good nor bad—they are simply the outward expression of our thoughts and beliefs. Once we understand our feelings, our perception changes.
Fear has only one purpose: to protect. It warns us of impending danger and creates a series of physiological reactions that prepare our bodies to do one thing—RUN! But if fear is not the problem, then what is? It’s our **beliefs** about the fear.
For example, when you think about public speaking, if you picture the audience as a firing squad, then it feels like an execution. Who wouldn’t be terrified? However, if you see the audience as a cheering squad, it’s no longer an execution—it’s a celebration!
3 Ways Successful Women Face Their Fears
1. **Embrace It.** When we judge our fear or push it away, we’re rejecting a part of ourselves that feels threatened. Fear desperately wants to be heard. The next time you feel afraid, close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and listen to what your fear has to say. Just by identifying your fear, it will start to deflate.
2. **Challenge the Limiting Thought or Belief.** Now that you’ve acknowledged your fear, investigate it further. Where do you feel the tension in your body? Put your hand there and ask your fear: “What if everything you’re warning me about happens? What’s the worst that could occur?” By understanding the reasoning behind your fear, you take the decision-making power back into your own hands.
3. **Step Out with It.** Fear is ultimately a path to greater freedom. Learning to step out with your fear takes practice. Treat yourself with kindness as you push beyond the possible. Invite your fear in for a cup of coffee—get to know it a little better. The next time fear comes knocking, don’t close the door; step out with it!
Real-Life Stories of Doing It Afraid
Oprah Winfrey once said, “The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power.” Oprah faced enormous fear when she decided to leave her successful talk show to create her OWN network. The fear of failing was immense, but she did it afraid—and today, she is one of the most successful media moguls in the world.
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, started her business with $5,000 and no formal business training. She faced rejection after rejection from manufacturers who laughed at her idea. But she pushed forward despite the fear of failure. Today, Spanx is a billion-dollar company, and Blakely attributes her success to embracing her fears.
J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book as a single mom on welfare, battling depression and fear of failure. She faced 12 rejections from publishers before one finally accepted her manuscript. She did it afraid, and her perseverance paid off, leading to one of the most beloved book series in history.
Embrace Fear as Your Ally
If you’re not at least a little afraid every day, you’re not stretching far enough outside your comfort zone. Successful women have nothing to fear; they have learned to embrace their fears.
The goal isn’t to eliminate fear but to use it as a compass. Fear means you’re taking chances, creating when others are stalling, and embracing opportunities to grow. Remember, fear isn’t your enemy—it’s your guide.
Call to Action
If you want to surround yourself with a community of like-minded women who support each other in overcoming fears and achieving success, join the Optometry Divas community at optometrydivas.com/join. Surround yourself with those who understand your journey and cheer you on every step of the way.
Next week, we will talk about habit #3 – Taking care of yourself spiritually, psychologically, and physically. Don’t miss it! And as you enjoy these articles, please share them with your friends. Thank you for sharing!
Responses