Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

What if fear wasn't a stop sign, but a green light for growth? For decades, we’ve been told to conquer our fear, but Susan Jeffers’ international bestseller reveals a more powerful truth: you don’t have to eliminate fear to move forward. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is your essential guide to transforming anxiety into action and indecision into power. Stop waiting for the fear to vanish and start living the life you’ve always wanted. This timeless classic will show you how.

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Welcome to our book summary of Susan Jeffers’s groundbreaking self-help classic, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. What if fear wasn't an obstacle, but a necessary companion on the path to growth? This book provides a powerful and practical guide to understanding and moving through your anxieties. Jeffers asserts that fear is a natural part of life, especially when we challenge ourselves. Through her encouraging and direct approach, she offers a transformative perspective and a set of tools to help you push past your comfort zone, build confidence, and create a life filled with action and joy.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: From Paralysis to Power
Does the thought of making a significant career change, asking for a promotion, or speaking up in a critical meeting fill you with a familiar sense of dread? If your heart pounds and an internal voice begins cataloging every potential disaster, you are not alone. This experience of fear-induced paralysis—the classic fight-flight-freeze response—is a fundamental aspect of our shared human biology. It is a primal inheritance designed to protect us from physical threats, not from the modern-day challenges of personal and professional growth. Yet, many of us operate under the mistaken belief that we are uniquely burdened by this fear, a deeply isolating fallacy reinforced when we observe others who seem to navigate life with an effortless confidence. We witness their success from afar—the promotion, the bold creative project—and we construct a narrative that they possess an innate fearlessness, a secret courage we tragically lack. This flawed comparison only deepens our own sense of inadequacy and reinforces the very paralysis we wish to escape.

The transformative secret, however, is that these individuals are not, in fact, fearless. The most successful, fulfilled, and seemingly confident people experience the same physiological and psychological responses to risk and uncertainty that we do. They hear the same internal voice of doubt whispering warnings of failure. The critical, life-altering difference lies not in the absence of fear, but in their conscious, deliberate choice to act despite it. A powerful person has learned to acknowledge the physical sensation of fear, to feel the knot in their stomach, and then to take a centering breath and move forward anyway. This philosophy isn’t about the heroic eradication of fear—a damaging myth that keeps us stagnant, waiting for a magical moment of courage that will never arrive. Instead, it is about a radical re-education of the self. It is about understanding that fear is not an enemy to be conquered but a vital biological signal, an internal compass indicating that you are standing on the precipice of profound personal growth. It points directly toward the areas of your life that most require your courage. The goal is to learn to dance with this emotion, to harness its energy for forward momentum rather than allowing it to pin you down. The empowering truth is that you can shift from a position of paralysis to one of power by fundamentally changing your relationship with fear. This transformation begins with the willingness to understand fear's true nature and to stop waiting for it to disappear before you truly start living.
Understanding Fear: The Core Concepts
To effectively manage and move through fear, we must first dissect it, understand its architecture, and see it not as a monolithic monster but as a structured system. We can organize our anxieties into a profound three-level hierarchy, and identifying these levels is the crucial first step toward disarming fear’s power over our lives.

Level 1: Surface or ‘Happening’ Fears. These are the specific, concrete anxieties that we can easily name. They fall into two categories: things that “happen” to us, which are largely outside our direct control (such as aging, illness, economic downturns), and fears that require us to do something, to take an action that involves risk (such as public speaking, interviewing for a job, ending a relationship). These Level 1 fears, while feeling immediate and potent, are merely the symptoms, not the root cause of our anxiety. We often waste immense energy trying to control these external outcomes while completely ignoring the deeper, internal problem.

Level 2: Inner State or ‘Ego’ Fears. Beneath the surface fears lies a more profound layer of anxiety concerning our internal experience and our sense of self. These are the real reasons Level 1 fears are so paralyzing. The fear of public speaking (Level 1) is rarely about the physical act of talking; it’s about the underlying Level 2 fears of rejection, disapproval, or looking foolish. The terror of changing careers (Level 1) is not just about a new role; it stems from powerful Level 2 fears of failure, financial insecurity, or being perceived as incompetent. These ego-based fears—like vulnerability, helplessness, loss of respect, and loss of control—cut across all areas of our lives. They are fundamentally about protecting our self-image from any perceived psychic wound.

Level 3: The Ultimate Fear. At the very bottom of this hierarchy, the foundation upon which all other fears are built, lies the master key to all our anxieties. Every single Level 1 and Level 2 fear, if you trace it to its core, can be attributed to one ultimate, bedrock fear. This is the belief that “I CAN’T HANDLE IT!” This is the core of everything. You are not truly afraid of the job loss itself; you are afraid that you will be unable to handle the emotional pain, the financial instability, or the logistical chaos if it happens. You don't fear rejection; you fear that you can’t handle the crushing feeling of being rejected. Underneath it all is a profound lack of trust in your own resilience and ability to cope with life's challenges. This realization is profoundly liberating because it means you don’t have thousands of separate fears to conquer; you only have one. You simply need to focus all your energy on a single objective: building unshakable trust in your own ability to handle whatever comes your way. To begin this work, we must internalize five fundamental truths:

1. Fear will never go away as long as you continue to grow. Fear is a non-negotiable companion on the journey of personal expansion. To wish for a life without fear is to wish for a life of stagnation. You must welcome it as a positive sign that you are pushing your boundaries.

2. The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it. Analysis and waiting for the 'right time' are forms of procrastination that magnify anxiety. Action is the only true antidote. You must act first, and the feeling of confidence will follow as a direct result.

3. The only way to feel better about yourself is to go out and do it. Genuine self-esteem is not passively acquired; it is forged in the crucible of courageous action. Each time you push through fear, no matter how small, you send a powerful message to your subconscious: “See? I handled it.”

4. Not only are you going to experience fear in unfamiliar territory, but so is everyone else. This truth shatters the painful illusion of isolation. The CEO giving the keynote, the celebrated artist, the seasoned athlete—they all feel fear. They have simply learned to manage it. You are not uniquely flawed; you are human.

5. Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness. The acute discomfort of taking a risk is far less damaging in the long run than the chronic, soul-crushing ache of knowing you are not living up to your potential. The pain of action is temporary and builds strength; the pain of inaction erodes your spirit, leading to a life of quiet regret.
The Pain-to-Power Shift
Understanding the mechanics of fear is the first step; applying that knowledge to create lasting change is the journey itself. This process begins with a crucial mental shift—a deliberate move from a position of pain to a position of power.

The Pain Position is the familiar territory of helplessness, blame, and inaction. In this state, you feel like a passive victim of circumstance, tossed about by the whims of others and external events. Your internal vocabulary is saturated with excuses: “It’s my boss’s fault I’m miserable,” or “I can’t be happy because my partner isn’t supportive.” From this position, you feel perpetually stuck and powerless. While a place of genuine suffering, the Pain Position feels deceptively safe because it absolves you of the burden of taking action and risking failure. If it's always someone else’s fault, you don’t have to do the scary work of trying to fix it.

In stark contrast is the Power Position. This is the land of choice, radical responsibility, and meaningful action. When you stand here, you fully embrace the understanding that while you cannot control external events, you always retain 100% control over your response. This position is defined by one liberating principle: Taking 100% Responsibility for your own life. This is not about self-blame; it is the ultimate act of reclaiming your power. It means acknowledging that you are the sole creator of your perceptions, reactions, and choices. From this vantage point, you become the architect of your own experience. Challenges are no longer roadblocks but opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient.

The fastest way to make this shift is to consciously change your language. Your words shape your reality. Adopting a Power Vocabulary can literally rewire your brain, moving you from a default state of pain to one of power.

Replace “I can’t” with “I won’t.” “I can’t ask for a raise” is helpless. “I won’t ask for a raise” is a choice. It forces you to confront the real reason—fear of rejection—and empowers you by acknowledging that you are choosing inaction. Once you own the choice, you can choose differently.

Replace “I should” with “I could.” “I should exercise” is loaded with guilt. “I could exercise” opens up possibility and choice. It frames the action as an opportunity, not a burden, reminding you that you are in control.

Replace “It’s a problem” with “It’s an opportunity.” A problem is a roadblock that drains energy. An opportunity is a chance to learn and innovate. A layoff becomes an opportunity to find a more fulfilling career; a difficult client becomes an opportunity to practice patience.

Replace “I hope” with “I know.” “I hope I get the job” is passive. “I know I will handle the outcome of the interview, whatever it is,” is a powerful stance that affirms deep trust in yourself to cope, not in an uncontrollable result.

Replace “It’s not my fault” with “I am responsible for my reaction.” This is the core of the shift. Stop assigning blame and instead take command of the one thing you can always control: your response.
Practical Tools for Action
Theory alone is not enough to dismantle a lifetime of fear-based conditioning; consistent, deliberate action is the only thing that truly transforms a life. To move from intellectual understanding to embodied confidence, you must engage with practical strategies that build new habits and reinforce your power.

First, adopt your new core mantra, the direct antidote to the Level 3 fear of “I can’t handle it.” In every situation that triggers anxiety, repeat to yourself: “WHATEVER HAPPENS, I CAN HANDLE IT!” Say it before a difficult conversation or when facing a major life decision. To embed this belief, write it on sticky notes and place them on your mirror, computer, and dashboard. This affirmation is the cornerstone of building self-trust. It doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome; it powerfully guarantees you possess the inner resources to deal with any outcome. This is the ultimate source of personal power.

Second, commit to the daily practice of Expanding Your Comfort Zone. Your comfort zone is the space where you feel safe and free from anxiety. For many, this zone shrinks over time as they avoid risks. The goal is not to leap into an abyss of terror, but to methodically push the walls of that zone outward through small, deliberate actions. Take one small, manageable risk every day. If you’re shy, say hello to a stranger. If you fear judgment, wear a daring outfit. If you fear rejection, make a small request you expect to be denied, just to practice hearing “no” and realizing you survive. These small acts teach your brain that risk is not catastrophic. With each act of courage, your comfort zone expands, your world gets bigger, and your confidence grows organically.

Third, for large, paralyzing decisions, employ the ‘No-Lose’ Decision Model. This mental tool reframes choice to eliminate the fear of making the “wrong” decision. Before you decide between two paths, look at each option and ask, “What valuable experiences and lessons will I gain from this path, regardless of the outcome?” Imagine choosing between a safe job and a new startup. Instead of agonizing over the “right” choice, see that both paths offer unique growth. Staying offers a chance to deepen your expertise; leaving offers a chance to learn new industries and discover self-reliance. When you recognize that every path is a “win” for your personal development, the pressure to choose correctly evaporates, freeing you to make a choice based on desire rather than fear.

Finally, actively cultivate a mindset of Saying ‘Yes!’ to Your Universe. Life constantly presents invitations to learn and grow, but fear’s reflexive response is often “No!” Saying “Yes” is a daily practice of developing openness, curiosity, and trust. It requires operating from the belief that opportunities are presented for your benefit. Start small: say “yes” to a lunch invitation you’d normally decline. Say “yes” to a project slightly outside your expertise. This simple practice opens the door to serendipity, unexpected joys, and a richer life than one lived inside the prison of “no.”
Building a Supportive Life
Undertaking this transformative journey alone is often unsustainable. To make the shift from a fear-based to a power-based life permanent, you must deliberately architect a life that actively supports your growth. This requires being intentional about your relationships, the information you consume, and the structure of your days.

First, Choose Your Support System with care. It is time to take an inventory of the people in your life and manage the ‘Poisonous People’ who reinforce your fears. The most insidious of these is the internal ‘Chatterbox’—that negative, critical voice inside your head. You must learn to recognize its monologues and talk back to it with your Power Vocabulary and the “I can handle it!” mantra. Externally, create boundaries with other poisonous types, like the ‘Doom & Gloom Merchants’ who see only problems, and the 'Underminers' who use subtle digs to chip away at your confidence. Instead, actively seek and cultivate relationships with ‘Nourishing People.’ These are the cheerleaders, mentors, and peers who are genuinely positive, who celebrate your wins, and who inspire you with their own courage. Their energy is essential fuel for your journey.

Next, you must Connect with Your Higher Self. Beneath the noisy chatter of the fearful ego lies a source of profound wisdom, unconditional love, and quiet strength. This is your intuition, your true self, and it operates from a place of love, not fear. It is the part of you that knows your worth. Cultivate a connection to this inner wisdom through practices like meditation, contemplative journaling, or spending quiet time in nature. The goal of meditation isn't an empty mind, but learning to observe fearful thoughts without identifying with them. Through journaling, you can ask your Higher Self direct questions like, “What is the most loving action I can take for myself?” The more you learn to listen to this quiet, powerful inner voice, the less power the loud, fearful Chatterbox will have over you. Your Higher Self knows that you can handle it.

Finally, create a sense of wholeness using the Whole Life Grid. Draw a tic-tac-toe board, creating nine boxes. Label each box with a key area of your life that requires your commitment to feel fulfilled. These labels might include: Work/Career, Family, Friends, Personal Growth, Contribution, Hobbies/Play, Health, Spirituality, and Love/Partnership. The goal is not to achieve perfection in every box, but to consciously and consistently put something meaningful into each one on a regular basis. Too often, we become obsessed with one or two areas (like work), which breeds intense anxiety. If your entire identity is tied to your job, the fear of losing it becomes immense. But if you have a rich life across all nine boxes, your sense of self is more stable and diversified. This grid is a powerful visual tool to remind you to build a life that is balanced, joyful, and deeply satisfying, which in turn dramatically reduces the power of any single fear.
Key Takeaways: Your Journey to Power
The journey from a life governed by fear to a life guided by power is not a final destination but a continuous, daily practice—a moment-by-moment commitment to choosing courage over comfort. As you move forward, hold these essential principles as your guide.

Fear is a Signal for Growth. You must reframe that uncomfortable knot in your stomach. It is not a stop sign warning you of danger; it is a green light, an indicator that you are at the edge of your comfort zone, which is precisely where all meaningful growth and transformation happen. On the other side of that feeling lies a richer, more authentic life. Learn to welcome the feeling, thank it for the information, and then take the step forward. What is one area where fear is signaling an opportunity for growth in your life right now?

Action is the Ultimate Antidote. You cannot think your way to courage or wait for confidence to arrive. Real, lasting self-esteem is not a prerequisite for action, but a byproduct of it. The anticipatory fear—the 'what if' scenarios in your mind—is almost always worse than the reality. The only way to diminish fear’s paralyzing power is to take the risk, however small. Action is your most powerful weapon against paralysis. What is one small action you can take today?

You Always Have the Power to Choose. You are never a helpless victim. In any given moment, you possess the absolute power to choose your perception and your reaction. You can choose the vocabulary of pain, blame, and helplessness, or you can choose the vocabulary of power, responsibility, and opportunity. This power of choice is the ultimate source of all your freedom. In this moment, are you choosing from a place of pain or a place of power?

Self-Trust is the Foundation. The ultimate goal is not to eliminate fear, but to build such profound trust in yourself that fear no longer has the power to stop you. The aim is to cultivate the deep, inner knowing that you can handle anything life throws your way—the joys, the sorrows, the successes, and the challenges. With this unshakable trust as your foundation, you can walk into any unknown with peace and curiosity, knowing that whatever happens, you will learn, you will grow, and you will be okay.

Your real life is not on hold. It is happening now. Do not wait for the fear to subside. It won't. Take a deep breath, acknowledge its presence as a companion on your journey, and go out and do it anyway. The power and fulfillment you seek are waiting on the other side.
Ultimately, the impact of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway lies in its simple yet profound core message. The book’s crucial spoiler is that the goal isn't to eliminate fear, but to act despite it. Jeffers reveals that our deepest fear isn't of failure or success, but the underlying belief that “I can’t handle it.” The final, transformative argument is that you can, in fact, handle anything life throws at you. By taking responsibility, making no-lose decisions, and using positive affirmations, you reclaim your personal power. The book's enduring importance is its ability to provide a timeless, actionable framework for anyone seeking to live a more courageous and fulfilling life. We hope you found this summary insightful. Please like and subscribe for more, and we'll see you for the next episode.