You've heard it a zillion times: "Feel the fear and do it anyway!"

There's definitely wisdom to not letting fear stop you. Because, many times, we fear an outcome that's unlikely, or not NEARLY as bad as we imagine it will be.

But fear also serves a very real, very necessary function in our lives. It's not wise to dismiss it out of whole cloth, as if the ONLY thing fear does is hold you back.

Sometimes it keeps you safe. (Think: Hot stove! Or, You'll die if you fall from this height!)

That icky feeling you get about certain people? That can be fear warning you that the person is somehow dangerous.

As a trauma-informed self-worth coach, I understand that facing your fears too quickly can sometimes cause panic and a dysregulated nervous system that creates more fear, paralysis, and harm.

Often times, we were taught or manipulated or guilted into ignoring the fear and "doing it anyway," and that's when the trauma happened. (Note: In NO way am I implying that the trauma was your fault!)

Last week, I had the honor of being an expert speaker on Vincent Devos' Fear Into Confidence Summit. (Click here to catch the exclusive replay this weekend only.)

One of the things I talked about what that sometimes it's easier to jump into the deep end of the pool and just do it.

And sometimes you need to dip in your toe from the top step and submerse yourself gradually.

Either way, you're going swimming. It's just a matter of speed.

And either speed is okay.

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

You know what you can handle - whether it's big leaps or baby steps.

Sometimes it's good to experiment with bigger leaps and say, "What if?"

Sometimes, it's enough to push against your growth edge.

Either way, trusting yourself is key.

I'm headed to Dallas today to film an episode of ZondraTV.

That's right! I'm gonna be on TV!

Yes, I'm scared.

But I'm not jumping into the deep end here.

I've spent the last 12 months doing lots of virtual interviews for both summits and podcasts.

I built up a mental library of smaller successes to draw on to give me confidence going into this TV appearance.

Lots and lots of smaller steps that paved the way for this opportunity.

Do you prefer big leaps or baby steps?

Hit reply and let me know!