“The fears we don’t face become our limits.” – Robin Sharma
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
Last week, we opened my imaginary book, The Scariest Advice I Ever Got on a Road Trip & Other Ways to Overcome Resistance, with Chapter 1: Do Hard Stuff. The lesson was that growth requires us to intentionally seek out difficulty.
But what stops us from even getting started? What keeps us from signing up for the “hard stuff” or taking the next step in our leadership journey?
It’s simple: Fear keeps us from knocking on doors to rooms we know we should be in.
The “That Was Worth It” Moment
We live in a culture that values ease. The Staples button famously says, “That was easy.” But in leadership, the things that create true leverage and impact are never easy. They require effort, vulnerability, and risk.
It would be far better if that button said, “That was worth it.”
Fear keeps us from trying things that will help us grow. My guess is you can probably think back to countless times when fear stopped you cold:
- Refusing to knock on a door for a client meeting.
- Failing to ask a question that revealed your ignorance.
- Avoiding attempting a new challenge that felt too big.
- Staying silent when you absolutely needed to speak up.
What outcomes are holding you hostage, keeping you from knocking on that metaphorical door? Is it the fear of Failure? Embarrassment? Shame? Unworthiness?
I know these words because I suffer from—or have suffered from—these fears myself. Everyone has fear. It’s those who can face the fear and overcome it that are able to experience the growth that others only dream about.
Courage is a Choice, Not an Absence
Note this truth: Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather it’s facing the fear and doing it anyway.
While I can’t tell you how to live without fear, I can share the daily disciplines I rely on to overcome it and transition from paralyzed thought into powerful action:
1. Prayer (The First Step)
This is a discipline muscle I am still training. Asking God for direction should always come first. When we anchor our choice in the divine command, we gain the assurance we need:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
2. Accountability (The Encouragement)
Who is in your circle to encourage or inspire you to make the uncomfortable move? Fear loves isolation. Get around people who insist on your raising your average and will push you toward the door.
3. Reflection (The Evidence)
Take an honest moment to reflect: What other times have you faced fear and won? How about the times you didn’t “win” or failed spectacularly? You are still here, right? You survived. The potential worst-case scenario must not have been that bad. Use your history as evidence that you can handle the outcome.
4. Action (The Jump)
I often refer to the painful experience of standing on the edge of the high-dive board when I was little—inching my way out, bending my knees, and closing my eyes. Too often, I didn’t jump! The lesson is that it is easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than to think your way into a new way of acting. Take the risk. If you can take the worst thing that can happen, then you should absolutely take the risk. Sometimes, you just have to jump in.
- Quote of the Week
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”– Anaïs Nin
Being effective as a leader means consistently choosing discipline over distraction. It’s about deeply reflecting on what’s working, humbly learning from what hasn’t, and courageously course-correcting in relentless pursuit of uncommon growth. Leaders don’t just drift into success—they evaluate, decide, and act.
Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “KNOCK” and let me know the one action you will take to face that fear this week.
What you need to do:
Your Call to Action: Design Your Legacy
Knock on the door. You might be pleasantly surprised by what is on the other side!
What is the one door you know you need to knock on this week—the uncomfortable conversation, the big ask, or the new venture?
It’s an honor to be your trusted Friday Coffee Guy. Each week, I bring what I’m learning and living in the trenches of leadership. If this edition challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who leads, stays faithful, or learns alongside you, then click subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together!
Until next time—stay focused, stay faithful, and keep growing, Champions! 💪
