Scrolling through my Facebook feed, I saw this quote: “Do what scares you.” I stopped to reflect on the advice. It resonated with me because I’m on the verge of doing something new, something exciting, yet something a little scary for me.

Let’s face it, any unknowns in our lives can be scary. Fear of the unknown is a very real thing. I’m sure you experience it from time to time, too. Yet, to live an intentional life in which we make things happen for ourselves, and we create opportunities, we mustn’t let fear hold us back.

To be clear, I’m not talking about skydiving, mountain climbing, or hang gliding — unless you feel passionately you need to do those things. I’m talking more about applying for that new job, starting your own business, calling that specific someone for a date, taking on a stretch assignment at work, or having difficult conversations with your children, spouse, or coworkers. Basically, those things of everyday life that have the power to paralyze us.

So what are we to do? How do we overcome our fear?

3 Steps to Overcoming Fear:

I think there are 3 things we can do; and believe me, I’m taking my own advice here.

1. Pray about it.

The first step is to pray about it. Spend time in conversation with God. Ask Him for guidance. Ask if this is the right timing. Ask if this is His will for your life, or at least the next right step in your journey. Share your heart with Him, and don’t be afraid to bare all – He can handle it.

Then listen. Listen for God’s wisdom. Listen for the answers to your questions. Listen to the counsel of others who God may be speaking through. And watch for signs that may be God’s way of moving in your life and showing you the way. Watch for doors to open, and watch for doors to close – each one guiding your path to exactly where you need to be.

The key is to stay in constant contact with God, and to remain alert to what He may be doing in your life and to how He may be answering your prayers or responding to you. In addition to prayer, staying in constant contact can be done by reading your Bible and/or daily devotionals.

The Bible says, “Seek and ye shall find.” God has given us His wisdom and guidance in written form, and it’s available any time we need it. I’m reading a devotional my mother-in-law gave me called “Jesus Calling,” and I feel as though the Lord is speaking directly to me and my situation – no matter what it is – when I read it.

Trusting the Lord and His plan for your life will help you face the fear you have. You can rest in knowing you will never be alone because He is with you each step of the way.

2.  Make a plan.

The second step is to make a plan. Before doing something scary, be sure you’ve done your homework. Come at the task as prepared as you can be, and ensure you know what to expect.

As an example, I have a friend who recently applied for a new job. She asked me if I had any interview tips or questions she could review ahead of time. I did, so I sent her a listing of common interview questions she could review. She then began to formulate her answers and practice how she would respond.

I also sent her a link to several YouTube videos that offer excellent advice for before, during, and after the interview process. Those allowed her to think of what she would wear, what questions to ask of her interviewers, what to send in the way of a follow-up or thank you note afterwards, and so forth. These were all steps in making a plan that allowed her to confidently face her fear of going for that new job!

Another part of your plan may be asking questions of others, if you need to. Just like my friend sought my advice, you can seek advice from others who are knowledgeable about the situation you’re facing. Maybe they’ve been there, done that, and have wisdom to share based on their own experiences.

As another example, when I began blogging, I sought the advice of a more experienced blogger. I continue to do this. I reach out when I have questions because she’s more knowledgeable in this space, and I respect her. I view her as a mentor from whom I can learn.

Sometimes that thing that scares us is not a simple one and done, but rather it’s more of a process. The more familiar you are with each step in the process before you begin, the more confident

you’ll be when you actually get started. You may need to design your overall approach or plan of attack, or consider in what order to tackle the steps in the full-blown process.

Again, once you have a plan in place, you’ll be able to move forward more confidently and with less fear. This then positions you well for the next step.

3. Do it.

The last and final step then, in my opinion, is simply to do it. Take that step, and do what scares you. If the Lord has blessed your plan and opened doors, and if you’ve sought the wisdom and counsel of others more familiar with the process and mapped out a plan of attack, now is the time to execute that plan.

Another quote I recently saw said this: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” Oftentimes, getting started is the hardest part. Once we start, we gain momentum. So stop waiting for everything to be perfect; it likely never will be. And don’t believe the lie that you need to have everything figured out ahead of time. You can begin the process and then figure out additional steps as you go along. So much of life is figuring it out as you go.

A perfect example of this is Parenting. What good would it do you to read all the parenting books before you have children? As good as they are, they can’t prepare you for every situation. And, until you’re living it, the books aren’t applicable. You have to become a parent and navigate parenting as you go.

Similarly, you can navigate the thing you fear once you begin doing it. It starts with one step. Then another. Then another. And pretty soon, you’ve done what once scared you.

Be brave

I’m looking forward to taking my first step. I’ve already prayed about the situation and made a detailed plan. It’s simply a matter of executing now by doing it. I’m choosing to be brave and intentional, and I hope you will, too, whenever fear threatens to hold you back.

Are you struggling with this right now? Have you ever been paralyzed by fear before? If so, how did you overcome it? What would you add to my list to help others? I’d love to hear from you.

Yours intentionally, Amanda