“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

-Stephen King, American Contemporary Horror Author

Image from themostimportantnews.com

Take a minute to consider the scariest moments in your life. Things that might come to mind are:

• Public Speaking
• A really fast roller coaster ride
• Skydiving
• Getting a new job that requires skills you do not have
• Writing your first book or starting your first business
• Resigning from a stable job to transition into a new career

Experience all the sensations we associate with fear: cold sweats, shakes, rubbery legs, and your heart pounding in your chest.  How often do you stop and retreat? How often do find the courage to move forward?

EXERCISE:

I’d like you to try being courageous for just 20 seconds when you experience scary moments. When you feel fear welling up, tell yourself “I can be brave for 20 seconds,” or “I can handle that for 20 seconds.”  Before long, you will discover the exhilaration and excitement of getting past the barrier of fear we all experience.

Start today, and commit to developing a 20-second courage habit every day this week, and beyond.