FEAR: Your New Favourite Motivation Tool (Yes…Really)

Let’s talk about fear. Not the “I’m afraid to go to the store without makeup on” kind. I’m talking about the fear that shows up right before you do something brave: setting a boundary, saying no to your adult child’s very urgent request, finally telling your mother-in-law that comments about your oven are… unnecessary, or signing up for the thing you’ve been avoiding because “the timing isn’t right.” Spoiler alert: perfect timing is a myth created by people who never clean out their garages.

Here’s the reframe: fear and courage aren’t opposites — they’re dance partners. Brené Brown reminds us that courage doesn’t exist without vulnerability. You don’t wait for fear to disappear and then act — courage is what happens because fear is present. Fear is simply the signal that you’re standing at the edge of growth. If you didn’t feel it, you wouldn’t be doing anything that mattered. So instead of pushing fear away, what if you invited it along and said, “Great, you’re here. That must mean I’m going to do something good.”

At Lifeswerve, we like acronyms that work harder than we do. So let’s redefine FEAR as Fuel. Energy. Action. Reinvention. Fear fuels your awareness, gives you energy to move, gently pushes you into action, and — if you let it — leads to reinvention on the other side. And yes, sometimes reinvention looks sweaty, awkward, and slightly panicky while holding a boundary for the first time. Growth isn’t cute. But it is effective. Congratulations — you’re alive and evolving.

Your courage homework:
• Do one thing this week you’ve been avoiding for no good reason. If your stomach sink a little, you’re doing it right.
• Set one boundary and hold it — even when someone sighs dramatically. Especially then.
• Say this out loud: “I use fear as fuel.” Your nervous system is listening.

And because fear deserves a full spotlight, we’re about to launch 21 Days to Fearless — a daily practice in courage, clarity, and confidence.  Think emotional bootcamp… but with authenticity, insight, and hopefully some laughs. If fear has been tapping you on the shoulder lately, this is your sign. Your brave era isn’t coming — it’s already here.

- Kim