Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
Welcome to the first Friday of the year. As we stand at the threshold of 2026, many are looking for the “easy button” for a successful year. But if you want to be an Uncommon Leader, you have to look for a different signal.
Today, we dive into Chapter 6: If You Feel Fear, Run Toward It!
The Comfort Lie
I recently had the privilege of hearing a presentation by Jill Schulman regarding her insights on The Bravery Effect. Her message is a gut-check for all of us: Happiness is found on the other side of hard things.
We have been sold a lie that happiness is found in comfort. That lie makes us weak. In reality, comfort is where growth goes to die. Bravery isn’t a one-time heroic act; it is found in the little decisions we make every single day when we choose the hard path over the easy one. Don’t retreat from fear; recognize it as a signal that you are facing a growth opportunity, and run right toward it. You are either stepping forward or stepping backward.
Our Deepest Fear
The author Marianne Williamson penned words that hit the heart of this struggle. She notes that our deepest fear isn’t that we are inadequate, but that we are “powerful beyond measure“.
Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
The line that strikes me most is this:
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
I’ll be honest with you—I have let fear cripple me more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve felt inadequate in front of my family, friends, and colleagues, and in those moments, I didn’t show up. But when we shrink, we don’t just hurt ourselves; we fail to serve the world.
The Prescription for Bravery
Dr. Schulman offers a 3-part framework to move from “Playing Small” to “Shining Bright”:
- Mindset: Find your “North Star” in the Word. Joshua 1:9 commands us to be “strong and courageous” because the Lord is with us. When anxiety creeps in, Philippians 4:6 reminds us to turn that fear into prayer.
- Actions: You have to schedule hard stuff. Don’t wait until you “feel” brave. Schedule that tough conversation. Climb that literal or metaphorical wall. Ask for that sale even if you expect a “no”.
- Tribe: This is why we Collect Awesome People. Who is in your life to encourage you when your light is dim? Bravery is a team sport.
Leading Through the Fear
Leading toward fear means rejecting the lie that happiness is found in comfort and instead embracing the “Bravery Effect.” As an Uncommon Leader, you recognize that playing small doesn’t serve the world; it only keeps those you lead in the dark. By being the first to run toward the hard things—the tough conversation, the bold ask, or the daunting goal—you provide a “permission slip” for your team to do the same, proving that growth and fulfillment live on the other side of friction.
This journey requires a mindset of courage and a tribe that won’t let you shrink. True leadership is found in the daily decision to step forward into the unknown, trusting that as you let your own light shine, you automatically liberate those around you. It’s time to attack the day and schedule the hard stuff to ensure 2026 starts with momentum.
Quote of the Week
“Your playing small does not serve the world.” — Marianne Williamson
Being a leader on this topic means moving beyond the “managerial” duty of checking boxes and stepping into the “uncommon” role of being a pioneer of bravery. Leadership is a choice made in the moments when your stomach is churning. This week, don’t just “manage” your fear—lead through it. Show up with a mindset of strength, take the hard action, and lean on your tribe to keep the momentum.
Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com and tell me: What is the “Hard Thing” you are running toward this week?
What you need to do:
Call to Action: Run the Play
What is the one “Hard Thing” you’ve been avoiding? Is it a phone call? A workout? A budget review? Schedule it for Monday morning. Don’t give yourself time to talk yourself out of it. Run toward the fear.
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! 💪
