Happy Friday, readers! This isn't me on the high dive (I'm afraid of heights) . . it represents the fear I had last week doing something I've been successfully avoiding for a few years.

Have you ever had an opportunity that excited you and terrified you at the same time? Recently, I said yes to something that scared me: Being a guest on a podcast for the very first time. As a life coach, I spend a lot of time helping others step out of their comfort zones, so I figured it was time to take my own advice. Spoiler alert, it was exhilarating, but so much fun and I'd happily say yes next time!

Let me tell you how it went and why I think you should do something brave, too.

Why Brave Choices Matter

Here’s the thing about fear: It’s often a sign that you’re standing at the edge of growth. Saying yes to something scary means you’re willing to challenge yourself, learn something new, and possibly even fail. But here’s the catch—whether you succeed or stumble, you always grow.

For me, the idea of being on a podcast was intimidating. What if I stumbled over my words? What if I said the wrong thing? What if people didn’t connect with my message? These questions ran circles in my mind, but I knew deep down that fear was just a signal telling me this was something worth doing.

The Experience of Saying Yes

Once we started recording, the nerves didn’t suddenly disappear, but I started to relax. My hobby is triathlon, and who doesn't LOVE to talk about their hobby? The time flew by as we talked about my current journey to Ironman Austria, balancing work, life, and training, and so much more.

And what did happen? I learned that I’m capable of more than I give myself credit for. And I was reminded that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless, it means taking action despite the fear.

What Scares You?

Now, I want to turn the question to you. What’s one thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels scary? Is it starting a conversation you’ve been putting off? Signing up for a class you’ve always wanted to try? Saying yes to an opportunity that makes your palms sweat?

Here’s my challenge for you: Say yes to one brave thing this next week. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, it just has to be a step outside your comfort zone. I promise, the courage it takes will be worth it. And even if it doesn’t go perfectly, you’ll learn something valuable about yourself in the process.

Encourage Someone Else to Be Brave

Courage is contagious, so don’t keep this to yourself! If you know someone who could use a little push to do something scary, forward this blog post to them. Sometimes, all we need is a gentle nudge from someone who believes in us.

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Whether you’re tackling a big goal or just trying to muster the courage to take the first step, I’m here to cheer you on. Let’s work together to make your brave moment happen.

Fear doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can be the very thing that propels you forward. So, what will you say yes to this week? I can’t wait to hear all about it.