I Dare You to Do This With Me Every Single Day

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Where are you headed?  Are you moving forward?

Sometimes all it takes is a little comment from someone whose opinion you value to wake you up and motivate change.  Has that happened to you?

About six months ago I had three of those interesting conversations with colleagues within a couple of days, and the big realization that came out of it for me was just how much I was operating in fear instead of faith, that I wasn’t allowing myself to be powerful, and that I was the thing holding myself back…  and they showed me the huge possibilities waiting for me on the other side of that fear…

To many people around me it looked like I was making big steps forward and making things happen.

But they knew I wasn’t yet.  (Surround yourself with people who see through what others don’t and who really see YOU.)

I was still holding myself back by running away from the things that scared me.  I was avoiding opportunities and chances because they involved risk.

So I created a new goal for myself.  Every single day I do one thing that scares me or makes me really uncomfortable.  One moment of bravery.  I’m leaning into that feeling.

Sometimes it’s a personal risk.  Sometimes it’s a business risk.

Big or little.  Doesn’t matter.  One thing every day.

It’ll never be perfect.  I may never feel ready.  So I’ll do it now.

Sometimes I start… stop… and have to try again, or find a different risk to take for the day…

I’m doing a lot of “take a deep breath and trust it’ll be okay” lately…

Reaching out to someone I’m intimidated by but want to connect with. 

Talking to strangers for no reason but to see if I can get them to smile.

Jumping into a conversation I’m nervous about contributing to. 

Going down a water slide with my kids (anyone else out there afraid of water, small spaces and heights?). 

Sharing from an open place of total honesty. 

Engaging with someone smarter than I am and being okay with sounding foolish because the reward of learning and growing is worth it. 

Booking a ticket to go on a trip alone.   Committing to staying present and engaged.

Stepping into the spotlight and saying yes to opportunities. 

Answering questions I might not have the answers to. 

Investing money in something I feel is right but aren’t sure yet how it’ll pay off. 

Admitting I’m scared (of something you probably aren’t).  Admitting I’m excited (when you might think I’m bit crazy for it). 

Reading something that I know will challenge my beliefs.

Blogging about moving through my fears.  (Today this post is my brave action.)

Showing up as more of myself. 

Why?  Because my fears are keeping me right here where I’m at.  That’s okay for this moment.  But it’s not okay to stay here.  Pushing through them is how I become who I’m meant to be in this world.

I dare you to do the same.  Break though a moment of fear every day.  It will force you to face your personal ghosts, to acknowledge where you’re close minded or have prejudices, and radically change your business and life.

Your thoughts?

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    1. Kebba Buckley Button
      Twitter: kebbabutton
      says:

      Michelle, it is so true that our fears hold us back! And that’s great when we are seeing an alligator scratching on our front door (which actually happens in some states). But, as you say, sometimes its talking-to-an-awesome-person that scares us. Thanks for a great list and for suggesting the fear-a-day challenge! Even though I’ve taught a 9-week un/fear class for churches, you’ve given me some fresh food for thought. Great post!
      Kebba Buckley Button recently posted… UpBeat Living: Choices and BotheringsMy Profile

      • Michelle Shaeffer
        Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
        says:

        Hey Kebba, okay in the case of the alligator, don’t confront that fear alone!! Up here, that would be bears to worry about on the doorstep and there’s one fear I won’t be trying to push through. I forgot to mention that some fears are healthy fears. ;)

        That sounds like a GREAT class you’ve been presenting. Very cool.

    2. Veronica (Roni)
      Twitter: foodthatsings
      says:

      Oh Michelle…you say it so well! It is an awesome & scary message at the same time, thank you for the challenge. And the accountable growth…..you are an inspiring woman. I love your space…cheers, from an avid fan Roni xx

    3. Dominique Goh
      Twitter: dominiquegoh
      says:

      Fear can really be very stiffling. It can keep us in a rut at times too. Glad to read that you are trying to conquer your fears one step at a time. I recently talked about how I conquered my fear of fire on my blog :)
      Dominique Goh recently posted… 10 Tips on a Fun Photography Session for Kids( Review of Tomato Photo)My Profile

    4. Carrie
      Twitter: CarriesFoodFun
      says:

      Way to go, Michelle! Totally understand you on the waterslide thing: water, heights & enclosed spaces…yup, pretty much sums up my fears. Add some big spiders and I’m sunk!!
      Thanks so much for sharing – Carrie
      Carrie recently posted… Mining Mondays: What to do with a pair of worn out jeans?My Profile

    5. Kimberly ~ Gypsy
      Twitter: bloggingwgypsy
      says:

      I am going to make a list of things that are outside my comfort zone that I want, need or should do and I will let you know how well I do at checking them off :D Michelle, your amazing awesomeness is so appreciated! Do you know how inspiring you really are to so many of us? I haven’t come as far as I would like to be, but I am a LOT farther than I was 3 years ago and I attribute part of that to you! Thank you so much! ((hugs)) XOXO
      Kimberly ~ Gypsy recently posted… Gypsy Recommends the Hot Rockin’ Rebel Chick Mystic Lisa Marie Selow!My Profile

    6. Claudia Gold says:

      I appreciate this reminder. Post well written, I was with you on this journey, appreciated examples, too. I was with you because I saw your honesty from the beginning. As women it takes especial (is that a word?) bravery, as being assertive, at least for me, seems a little unreceptive, not like the feminine I grew up with, and there are more risks for women than men to be called a name for putting themselves out there. Though lately, it seems that name is a positive one!!!

    7. MamaRed
      Twitter: mamaredknight
      says:

      I totally LOVE your proposal Michelle and I’ve been doing that a LOT lately, including today when I took a “less than perfect” shot at putting my Pinterest class in workbook form into the world. I wiffled and waffled and wiggled and sniggled and I did it.

      Now on to my next fear.

      Muah!
      MamaRed recently posted… How to convert a personal Pinterest account to a business accountMy Profile

    8. Iris
      Twitter: knowyrgreatness
      says:

      Michelle, this is awesome! I just got off the phone with a client who was talking about how her fears are stopping her from moving forward in her business. I’m going to send your post to her! :) It’s like when the dad in We Bought a Zoo talks about how all you need is 30 seconds of courage…Love it!
      Iris recently posted… Donate Your Old Kindle to a Worthy CauseMy Profile

    9. Adalia John
      Twitter: adaliaj
      says:

      Heh Michelle,

      Heh Michelle,

      Well written and thought stimulating. Even though we know something, a reminder helps us to stay on track. I’ve faced many fears, and I give thanks for having the courage to face them head on. But this post reminded of those I’ve been avoiding. This is a gentle reminder for me to address them.

      As long as we’re breathing, there will always be another fear to address and another level of success to achieve. It’s important to enjoy the journey and appreciate all of our accomplishments.

      Keep shining your light as the authentic you.
      Adalia John recently posted… What Are the Secrets to Success?My Profile

    10. Sara
      Twitter: momwithahook
      says:

      Michelle, I could have written this one. Fear is one of my big stumbling blocks too. I have a lot of head knowledge about stuff but very little action behind what I know – Fear being the reason. I will scoot to the edge and be ready to jump but then think “what was I thinking?” and run back to my comfy couch and snuggly blanket.

      Action is one of those key words that I’m challenging myself with this year. I do it afraid, stumble and maybe even fall on my face but each time I do, I’m better for it. I grow.

      You have always been a special person in cyberworld to me ever since Amity. I have seen you grow not only your business but as a person.

      You are brave and those people who tell you that you can do more and be more are right. The best thing is you have a big heart to go with all your power which means the world is immensely blessed by your risk taking.

      <3 and virtual hugs
      Sara recently posted… Crocheting My Life Back Update 3My Profile

      • Michelle Shaeffer
        Twitter: MichelleShaeffr
        says:

        Hey Sara, I still miss the old Amity… it was such a wonderful place. I learned so much there.

        And there’s room under my blanket if you want to share the hiding space (I can’t say I don’t frequently find myself there LOL), as well as a hand to hold when you’re ready to jump off the cliff. We can do it together. :) Know that I’m rooting for you!

        We all have so much potential, and it’s so much easier to see in others than in ourselves. And thank you. <3
        Michelle Shaeffer recently posted… Protect Your Blog! 2 Action Steps to Implement TodayMy Profile

    11. Suzie Cheel
      Twitter: suziecheel
      says:

      This is great Michelle,
      Last week I did that I called it being bold, doing one brave thing everyday is a brilliant idea. Doing my being series i am sharing things that i normally keep hidden. What is wonderful is the response is wonderful
      I am going to take on boards some of your suggestions
      thank you

    12. Loralee Hutton
      Twitter: lahara
      says:

      I’m right there with you Michelle. I made a similar commitment at the beginning of 2013. To do something that scared me. Although I chose to phrase it, “Do something scary today and tomorrow – if it still feels like the right thing I’ll keep doing it indefinitely”. It kind of took some of the “new year pressure” off & it’s working out great. Tomorrow I’m hosing my first webinar with over 100 registrants (that’s scary for me) and I’m doing more things on a whim than I’ve ever done before. No skydiving or waterslides though :)
      Loralee Hutton recently posted… Please don’t wait another dayMy Profile

    13. Linda Ursin
      Twitter: LindaUrsin
      says:

      For me, it’s hard to move out of my comfort zone, simply because there aren’t many things that do scare me.
      Linda Ursin recently posted… What&#8217;s Your Poison? How do you consume content best?My Profile

    14. Jane Vestil
      Twitter: jjjanedesu
      says:

      “Jumping into a conversation I’m nervous about contributing to. ”

      This is something I worry all the time in the internet. To be honest, I’m scared of leaving comments on blogs outside my friends list. I’m taking the first few steps to conquer this fear by commenting on your blog posts.
      Jane Vestil recently posted… Blog Commenting As A Creativity StimulusMy Profile

    15. Connor Harley says:

      I can absolutely relate to most of your fears. I have always been scared to take risks and have always stayed on the comfort zone. I am scared to approach and talk to people i am intimidated with and those smart ones I know I might be foolish to look at are good examples of my fears.
      Connor Harley recently posted… Business to Business Marketing StrategiesMy Profile

    16. Paulette Benjamin
      Twitter: diversgurl
      says:

      This is super cool – and so true.
      Paulette Benjamin recently posted… “Misery … the New Norm

      It was going on eight in the evening. The church meeting had…”My Profile

    17. Mitch Mitchell says:

      Does commenting on this blog for the first time in a very long time count? :-) Wow, what an ambitious thought; making oneself uncomfortable every single day, a moment of bravery. Shocking when one thinks of it like that and yet it really could be a way of working through many of the challenges we all have, in my case marketing my business. Do I have the courage? Not sure, but I’m definitely going to think about it. Actually, today I will be doing it, but it’s only because I have to upgrade the database of my oldest blog per my host; scary!
      Mitch Mitchell recently posted… Decorum And CensorshipMy Profile

    18. Pauline
      Twitter: paulinemagnuson
      says:

      Oh wow – fantastic challenge! And one I’m definitely guilty of avoiding for sure.

      Thanks for making me think about my level of risk taking in my business!
      Pauline recently posted… Working at Home with Kids: Tips for Productivity and SanityMy Profile

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