How Facing Your Fears Helps You Thrive

Sometimes, our biggest wins come from doing it afraid

Aug 24, 2024

Life moves quickly, and sometimes we find ourselves needing to catch our breath and take stock.

But that's also what makes it exciting, right?

The surprises, the unexpected turns, and yes, even the challenges.

As we navigate through the whirlwind of life and parenthood, we often overlook one key element—our growth and courage as individuals.

We all have areas where we can grow, step out of our comfort zones, and ‘do it afraid.’

But before we dive in fully:

Creating a Well-Rounded Learning Experience for Your Children

Why wait for school breaks to start new activities?

If you’re looking to build your children’s skills in areas like music, football, or chess, incorporate these into their regular schedule.

For instance, instead of waiting for summer to sign them up for music practice, football camp, or a chess tournament, explore local academies, leagues, or clubs during the school year.

This continuous engagement helps reinforce their learnings and keeps their passion alive.

The approach not only sharpens their minds but also fosters a lifelong love for learning and growth.

In Part 3 of the exclusive 5-part video series that accompanies my e-book, “Family Time Unplugged: Play, Connect, Explore”, I delve into this topic, sharing practical ways to give our children the opportunity to learn and grow continuously, not just during school breaks but all year round.

Here’s a quick glimpse:

But that’s just the beginning.

The full video explores setting long-term goals, using weekday evenings and weekends wisely, and adjusting activities to keep your children motivated.

And the best part?

This approach is about making learning not just another task, but an enjoyable, shared journey for the entire family.

Want to dive deeper?

This video is part of an exclusive 5-part series available to those who’ve purchased my e-book.

The series is packed with insights and practical tips to help you create a well-rounded learning experience for your children, all year round.

If you’re ready to take your parenting to the next level and give your children a holistic, enriching experience, this is for you.

Don’t miss out—grab your copy of the e-book today and get access to the full 5-part video series!

And for non-Nigerian resident payers, you can now purchase directly from Amazon.

What Actions Are You Taking Because You Are a Parent?

I firmly believe that parents are the first and most effective teachers in a child’s life. The influence we have is unmatched, and it’s both a responsibility and a privilege we should embrace wholeheartedly.

Parenthood for me has been a catalyst for change—sparking a transformation that’s pushed me to repeatedly confront my fears and step out of my comfort zone.

So much has changed about me since I became a mom, and one of the most significant shifts has been my decision to do it afraid.

Here are two instances where this has played out.

Putting Myself Out There

There was a time when I had absolutely no online presence.

The thought of anyone knowing anything about me felt uncomfortable and unsettling.

I know some of you might share these thoughts, and there’s nothing wrong with valuing privacy.

However, the realization that one of the greatest gifts I could give my children is a lasting legacy pushed me to rethink my approach.

I began to see building an online presence to not just be about visibility; but more importantly, about modelling to my children how to navigate the digital world responsibly.

Through my online endeavours, they’re learning to be creators rather than just consumers, to harness their potential in ways that go beyond getting good grades and securing a job.

We all have unique gifts deposited in us by God, meant for more than just academic achievements.

How are we using these gifts to impact our society and communities?

More importantly, how are we ensuring that we leave behind a legacy that lasts?

One significant way for me meant putting myself out there—so here I am.

Facing My Fear of Water

Another major leap for me was starting to swim.

I’ve always been scared stiff of water, and this fear was unknowingly passed down to my 5-year-old.

My children had started swimming earlier, but my reluctance and fear kept holding them back, particularly, my 5YO.

I realized I needed to lead by example, so I decided to face my fear and learn to swim.

It hasn’t been easy, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding—not just for me, but for her as well.

The Minimum Courage Formula

Courage means showing up when you’d rather run away.

Last week, I had an eye-opening moment while watching the concluding session of the Substack Campfire interview with

Hamish McKenzie

, Substack's Co-Founder.

Something he said hit home for me:

"You don’t have to have all the talent. You don’t have to have all the courage in the world, you just need minimum courage to take a leap and figure out how to design your life in such a way that you can actually make a bet on your vision and belief."

These words struck a chord, especially because I had just faced one of my biggest fears—learning to swim.

Thursday marked my fourth class, and yes, I am still terrified.

As Hamish McKenzie wisely pointed out, I don’t need all the courage in the world—just enough to take that leap and bet on myself.

It’s about taking that first step into the unknown, whether it’s a new job, or starting a project that scares you.

So, here’s to finding that 'minimum courage' within us to face our fears and doubts head-on.

Whether it’s in the deep end of the pool or the challenges life throws our way, let’s go in and do it anyway—one small step at a time.

Doing It Afraid

So often, we wait for the perfect moment, the perfect plan, or the perfect feeling of confidence to pursue our dreams.

That moment doesn’t exist.

Read that again.

The biggest breakthroughs and most rewarding experiences come when we step out despite our fears.

When we decide to "do it afraid."

Think about the goals or dreams you’ve been putting off because you’re not ready or you’re too scared.

What if the only thing standing between you and your next big win is the courage to start, even when you’re afraid?

What if by embracing your fear, you could open the door to opportunities you never imagined?

Courage isn’t about the absence of fear; it’s about feeling the fear and moving forward anyway.

It’s about trusting that whatever comes your way, you have the strength to handle it.

So, I challenge you today: identify one thing you've been afraid to pursue and take one step toward it.

It doesn't have to be a giant leap—just the smallest step to create the momentum you need.

Go out there, do it afraid, and show yourself—and your children—that you are capable of incredible things.

Final Thoughts

The road to success is rarely straight and smooth.

It’s often winding and filled with unexpected detours.

But that’s what makes the journey worth it.

Take that step, make that call, write that first page—whatever it is, just begin.

Because on the other side of fear, lies your greatest victory.

The rewards of "doing it afraid" are waiting for us all.

Until next time,

Stella ✨

What was your biggest takeaway from this edition? Let’s talk.