Fear has a way of keeping us stuck. It whispers doubts, fuels overthinking, and convinces us that stepping out of our comfort zone is too risky. But here’s the good news: fear doesn’t have to control your life.

Today, I’m sharing practical ways to recognize fear when it shows up, move through it, and take action—even before you feel ready. If you’re ready to stop letting “what if” scenarios dictate your choices and start moving toward the life you want, let’s get started.

Listen to the full podcast here:

Recognizing Fear in Your Life

Fear doesn’t always look like panic or overwhelm. Sometimes, it’s disguised as hesitation, procrastination, or endless excuses. It sounds like:

  • “What if I fail?”
  • “I’m not ready yet.”
  • “Maybe later, when things feel more certain.”

Have you ever found yourself overthinking a big decision or talking yourself out of an opportunity? That’s fear working behind the scenes, keeping you in your comfort zone.

But here’s the thing: staying in your comfort zone might feel safe, but as the saying goes, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” The same is true for you. You weren’t made to play small—you were made to grow, to explore, and to live boldly.

You Don’t Have to Wait to Feel Ready

Fear Less, Live More: You Can Start Today, The Kristi Jones Show Podcast

One of the biggest misconceptions about fear is that you need to wait until you feel confident or “ready” to take action. The truth? You’ll likely never feel 100% ready, and that’s okay.

Think about the first time you tried something new—learning to ride a bike, giving a speech, or starting a new job. You probably didn’t feel ready, but you did it anyway. And with each step, your confidence grew.

Taking action before you feel ready is like building a muscle. The more you practice stepping into the unknown, the stronger your courage becomes.

How to Fear Less and Live More

If fear is holding you back, here are three steps to help you move forward:

  1. Start Your Day with Intention
    Fear loves to dominate your thoughts first thing in the morning. Instead of letting it take over, ask yourself: “What’s one small step I can take today to move closer to my goal?” Whether it’s sending that email, scheduling a meeting, or trying something new, focus on action instead of avoidance.
  2. Break Your Goals into Small, Manageable Steps
    Big dreams can feel overwhelming, which is why fear often convinces us to quit before we even start. Break your goal into smaller pieces. For example, if you’ve always wanted to write a book, start by committing to one paragraph a day. Small wins lead to big results.
  3. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
    You don’t need to have it all figured out. Every step you take—even the imperfect ones—is worth celebrating. Remember, growth happens when you show up, not when everything goes according to plan.

Choosing Faith Over Fear

RELATED: Soulful Self-Care: Conversations with God and Choosing Faith Over Worry

Fear thrives in uncertainty, but so does faith. Faith doesn’t mean you’ll never feel scared—it means trusting yourself to take the next step, even when the path isn’t fully clear. It’s like walking in the dark with a flashlight. You might not see the entire road, but you have enough light to take the next step.

Living Boldly Starts Now

Fear doesn’t have to dictate your choices. The life you want is waiting on the other side of fear, and the first step is up to you. What’s one small action you can take today to move closer to your goals?

Your journey starts now. Let’s go.

If you’re looking for coaching opportunities to live your life to the fullest you can learn more here about my one-on-one coaching opportunities or my Flourishing Edge Membership with my Flourishing Edge program.