- Jessica Shook

I needed to make contact with a girl I don’t know well (and maybe am a little intimidated by) to ask for her help with a project.

What if she thought my project was stupid or beneath her? What if she thought I was stupid or beneath her?

I started with an email that I deliberated over for hours, edited, bit my nails, then finally pushed send with my eyes closed tight. But she didn’t respond, for days. “Call her,” someone said, but I cringed inside. I sent a follow up email (in one sitting!). When I didn’t get a quick response, I finally approached her in person.

Each time I faced the uncomfortable situation, it got easier to contact her and the intimidation melted away.

The point is, fear holds us back for silly reasons. My fear might seem ridiculous to you, and your biggest fear might not effect me. But they are real to us. And once we take the first step, the next one gets easier and easier until we can run, full force toward them and not even flinch.

Step today, friend. Take a step today, even if it freaks you out beyond belief! Even if it makes you cringe inside. Even if it’s as little as a phone call or an email, or as big as signing up for the course or applying for the job.

Have the courage. Take a step. And laugh in the face of your fear.