What Happens When You Lean Into Fear?
Fear is a powerful force. It has the ability to stop us in our tracks, convincing us we aren’t ready, that the risks are too high, or that failure is inevitable. But what if fear isn’t a barrier? What if it’s a signal that you’re on the edge of something transformative?
Recently, I faced one of the toughest races of my life—a grueling 50K with relentless climbs, unpredictable terrain, and sections where running wasn’t even an option. With 4,000 feet of vertical climbing, the physical demand was intense. But the physical challenge wasn’t the hardest part. The real battle was mental.
The Fear That Almost Stopped Me
Weeks before the race, I was dealing with a persistent injury. Every run came with pain, and my training had suffered. I wasn’t sure if I should even start. The fear was loud: What if I make it worse? What if I can’t finish? What if I fail?
Fear whispers doubt at the moments when we are closest to growth. It tries to keep us safe, but safe isn’t where progress happens. Instead of letting fear dictate my decision, I chose to lean in. I didn’t know how my body would hold up, but I knew one thing for sure: If I didn’t try, I’d never know.
Showing Up Anyway
I started slow. I paid attention to my body. The incredible thing? The pain I feared never came. Other pains showed up—because it’s a 50K—but none that stopped me. I kept moving forward. I finished and even shaved time off my previous race.
This experience reinforced a truth I’ve come to live by: Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a compass. It points directly at the areas where we have room to grow, where we can expand our limits, and where we can prove to ourselves that we are more capable than we think.
The Mindset Shift: Fear as Fuel
Most people think of fear as a reason to hold back. But the reality is, fear and excitement feel almost identical in the body. The difference? The story we attach to them. Instead of seeing fear as a warning, start seeing it as fuel. A signal that you are stepping into something meaningful.
How to Lean Into Fear in Your Own Life
Recognize the Signal: When fear shows up, don’t take it as a warning to stop. Instead, see it as a sign that you’re about to grow.
Take the First Step: You don’t have to be fearless—you just have to take action despite the fear. The hardest part is starting.
Trust Your Preparation: You’ll never feel perfectly ready. The key is trusting that you’ve done the work and stepping forward anyway.
Reframe the Narrative: Fear and excitement feel the same. Choose to see the discomfort as energy pushing you forward.
The Bottom Line
Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s an invitation. An opportunity to test your limits, to see what’s on the other side, and to redefine what you’re capable of. The next time you feel fear creeping in, don’t run from it—lean in. That’s where the breakthrough happens.
