Overcoming Fear: How to Quiet Your Doubts and Actually Do the Thing
The shortest day of the year is behind us, and the sun is ever so slowly beginning to creep back into our lives. It’s a time of hope and possibility, when many of us set goals for the new year. But if you’re looking back on last year’s resolutions and wondering why you even bothered writing them down… um, same.
Shocking as it may be in 2025, this blog is written by a human person. (Hi! I’m Sara.) I had three New Year’s resolutions this past year, and I can generously say I achieved about one and a quarter of them. After some reflecting, I’m realizing that a little bit of the reason I fell short was stuff out of my control, and a lot of it was stuff going on in my head that kept me from really fighting for my goals.
Why do we do this to ourselves year after year? Why do we let that critical voice in our heads (I call mine Carl) scare us into holding ourselves back? What can we actually do differently this time?
Why Fear Is So Strong
Fear is a powerful force because it wants to keep us safe. It lives inside our own heads and uses logic and reason to talk us out of adventuring into the unknown. It often blows the worst case scenario out of proportion to what’s likely to realistically happen.
One of the most common fears among any entrepreneur is the fear of failure: what if I stick my neck out, take the risk, start my business, and I don’t get the result I want? Unfortunately, not every idea produces its anticipated outcome. Business ventures can wither, and even amazing ideas don’t always last (RIP Butterfinger BBs, I miss you every day).
What fear won’t tell you is that while some endeavors you try might fail, every endeavor you don’t try fails for sure. Not the best odds.
How We Can Be Stronger
From an evolutionary perspective, fear exists to protect us. While freezing can keep us from disturbing a tiger, nowadays we’re rarely in the sort of immediate physical danger our ancestors faced when that instinct was evolving. We need methods to counteract our fears.
Fear thrives in inaction, which makes taking even a tiny step forward so powerful. In Do It Scared, Ruth Soukup outlines her philosophy and reminds readers that they don’t have to feel ready—they just have to start. You will be scared, but she says, “Let your fear of regret be stronger than your fear of failure.”
In that spirit, close your eyes for a moment and imagine your flourishing healing practice—what does it look like? What does it feel like? What are you willing to do to make it a reality?
Your Mental Weightlifting Homework
To work those mental muscles and sidestep those overprotective fears, I have some homework for you. Don’t be mad; I used to be a teacher and I can’t help it. You don’t have to do this all at once. You can start now by pulling up your calendar and blocking some time over a few days to do each step and get your head right.
Name Your Fear: Write down exactly what you’re afraid of. Seeing it on paper can help you realize that your fear is manageable and often exaggerated.
Break It Down: Big dreams can feel intimidating, so break them into smaller, actionable steps. Instead of “start my own practice,” try something like “find one new client” or “draft one social media post highlighting one offering.”
Examine Your Safety Net: Think about your support system; who in your life can offer encouragement and perspective when fear strikes? Call or text someone now and tell them about your goal.
Take One Step: What’s one thing you’ve been putting off because it feels scary? Do it now. Don’t overthink it. You can always pivot. It’s easier to adjust course when you’re moving. Just take the first step.
If the homework feels too hard, or if even that list is bringing up more fears, may I suggest a study group? If this is the year you’re ready to take bold steps toward your dreams, The Healing Society is here to support you, along with our whole community of healers. And if you need a little extra push, we’re offering a New Year Special to help you get started: sign up for a new (or upgraded) membership in January and use promo code HAPPY25 to get your first three months free—plus we’ll waive the one-time $49 registration fee.
Commit to getting stronger than your fears, and watch your practice thrive. We can’t wait to see what you achieve.