Fear isn’t the enemy—it’s the fuel. This fall, discover how to use it as a catalyst for growth, courage, and success.
The start of fall marks the start of what I like to call “fear season.” Haunted houses will soon be popping up, horror movies will flood streaming services, and people will pay good money to scare themselves silly. Why? Because deep down, we know fear sparks something inside of us. It jolts us awake. It keeps us present. It reminds us that we’re alive.
But outside of planning for costumes and looking for cobwebs, fear doesn’t have the best reputation. People equate it with weakness—being timid, anxious, or not in control. The truth? Fear isn’t your enemy. It’s one of the most powerful catalysts you’ll ever encounter—if you choose to use it.
Fear as Fuel
As someone who has been on stages for decades, I know firsthand the gut punch of fear. Statistics still say more people are afraid of public speaking than of death. (Let that sink in.)
Every time I step in front of a new audience, fear rides shotgun:
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Will they connect with me?
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Will my message land?
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Can I really help them lead stronger, happier, healthier lives?
That fear doesn’t paralyze me—it pushes me. It makes me prepare better, show up bolder, and keep learning so I can serve at my highest level.
Teachable Moment: The most successful people don’t erase fear. They redirect it. They let it sharpen their focus instead of cloud their judgment.
Fear vs. Comfort Zone
Here’s a little secret: the leaders, innovators, and risk-takers you admire feel fear more than most. They just recognize that growth rarely happens in the safety of the familiar.
Fear says, “This is new. This is uncertain.”
Success whispers, “This is where the magic happens.”
Every big win—launching a business, writing a book, asking for the promotion, making the call—comes with that same pit-in-the-stomach moment. And on the other side of it? Transformation.
Teachable Moment: Fear isn’t the barricade. Inaction is. Action is what takes you from “Can I?” to “I did.”
Make Fear Work for You
Think of fear like the adrenaline rush before the drop on a roller coaster. Your body is gearing up to respond. You can either step off the ride—or throw your hands in the air and experience the thrill.
The same goes for life:
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Acknowledge it. Pretending you’re not afraid won’t make it disappear.
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Channel it. Use the energy to fuel preparation, persistence, and progress.
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Act anyway. Confidence doesn’t come before the action—it grows after it.
Your Seasonal Reminder
As we lean into the “spooky” season this fall, remember: the real fear worth facing isn’t the one in a haunted house. It’s the one whispering that you’re not ready, not qualified, or not enough.
That fear? Shine a flashlight on it. Invite it in. Then take one small step forward anyway. Because the truth is this: fear will always be there—but so will your choice of how to respond.
Watch this…
Fear is universal—but so is the opportunity to grow because of it. If you’re planning your next leadership retreat, annual conference, or team event, consider the impact of equipping your people with the tools to overcome fear and harness it as fuel. That’s exactly what I deliver—powerful, funny, unforgettable sessions that shift how audiences see themselves and what they’re capable of. Ready to turn fear into your team’s competitive edge? Invite me in to be the voice that sparks the courage, laughter, and lasting change your event deserves.
