I’m a big believer in doing things that scare you. Whenever I’m unsure of what to do, I can usually get back on track simply by steering myself in the direction of a big scary challenge.
I’m actually pretty scared right now
I left my 9-to-5 job back in November. It had become comfortable and familiar, the work was pretty cool, and I liked my colleagues. I wasn’t the least bit scared going to work every day.
That’s how I knew I had to leave.
In the months since I’ve been working at getting my own business off the ground, trying to prove to myself that I can earn sustainable income from my own entrepreneurial ventures. I’ve been steadily eating through my savings. Kinda scary.
On top of that, I’m moving to Spain in three weeks. I don’t speak the language and I have yet to book any accommodation. In September I’ll be embarking on a three-year round the world trip. The plan is to travel only by land and sea. I have no idea how I’ll make it work.
It’s all pretty scary
But that’s how I know it’s the right thing to do.
I expect I may stumble a few times along the way, I may run out of money and end up working at a crystal shop in Morocco for a few months, but I’ll view it all as part of the adventure and keep on rolling. Maktub, baby!
See, the scariest thing for me isn’t failing to achieve these big lofty goals I regularly set for myself. No, the scariest thing is giving into the fear and staying stuck in mediocrity. That would suck.
Become the person who can
I like to remind myself of this quote I found on Lachlan Cotter’s blog:
“Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person who can.” – Unknown
I imagine the type of person I’ll become as I journey around the world, figuring out how to manage and grow my business from the road. That whole adventure is a scary proposition for me today, but three years from now I’ll probably consider it to be a piece of cake. I imagine myself reflecting: Been there, done that, no sweat, what’s next?
Go set some big goals that scare the hell out of you
And don’t sell yourself short. You’ll be amazed at all the things you can do despite being really scared.
Need some inspiration? Check out Tyler Tervooren’s quest to join the top 1% of the world. Or how about Ashley Ambirge? Setting her sights on earning $97k from her laptop this year as she travels around South America. Trust me, those folks are pretty damn scared by those lofty goals they’ve set for themselves. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.
In summary: Don’t run away from fear. Make it your ally. Think of it like a signpost, showing you exactly what you need to do to level up your life.
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Hey – if i can help in any way, you let me know. Thank you for this mention! (P.S. It always works out. It really does.)
When a person start either job or business he is bit scare but when he gain some experience in his field then he become the master of his field. You don’t need to scare from anyone if you don’t have scare inside so you can do any thing . So come out your scare from inside and put your ideas and thoughts in front of all if these are suitable for all human.
Great post, Niall. I don’t do much that scares me. Maybe some of the things I do scare other people, lol. I don’t work a 9 to 5 but the thought of a 9 to 5 scares me more than the financial instability of working for myself!
Part of this whole thing is re-thinking what scares us and what doesn’t.
I have a vision board above my desk and one of the things on it is “Do one thing a day that scares you.” Today it was skiing in deep powder. I hate doing that! But you know what? The first time it was terrifying, the second time it was easier and the third time it was even easier. I’m not in a hurry to do it again but now I know I could.
Go Niall go! I look forward to reading about your journey.