Blog

Have you ever felt your heart race at the thought of pursuing a big idea, a lofty goal, or a dream that seems just out of reach? You’re not alone. Imagine standing on the precipice of a new adventure, feeling the thrill and potential coursing through you, only to find yourself paralyzed by the cold grip of fear. What if you could shatter that invisible barrier and step boldly into the life you’ve always envisioned?

Fear is a universal experience, a shadow that lingers behind every bold ambition. Yet the most successful people aren’t those who are fearless; they are those who feel the fear and move forward anyway. Today, we explore part one of a transformative four-step approach to help you conquer that fear and take your first steps toward realizing your dreams.

Step One: Embrace the Fear

The initial and most crucial step is to acknowledge that fear is natural. It’s a shared human experience, felt even by the most accomplished individuals. Consider the story of Walt Disney, a visionary who dared to dream of and then build a magical place called Disneyland. During its construction, Walt stood on an observation tower, overlooking a landscape that resembled a chaotic construction site rather than a future wonderland. With half of his budget spent and nothing tangible to show for it, he confided in Imagineer Harper Goff, saying, “I have half of the money spent and nothing to show for it. Nothing. There isn’t one thing any human being would spend 15 cents to come and see. I’m scared.”

In that vulnerable moment, Walt felt the fear that grips us all when we step into the unknown. Yet he chose to press on, transforming his fear into a wellspring of courage and creativity. His story reminds us that fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal that we’re pushing boundaries.

Step Two: Change the Story

Did you know that fear and excitement are essentially the same emotion? When you’re scared or excited, adrenaline surges through your veins, triggering a physical response that’s virtually identical. The true difference lies in our mental interpretation, which is shaped by the story we tell ourselves.

I first truly understood this when The Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout in 2017. I vividly remember the original attraction’s eerie ambiance, where dim lighting and unsettling sounds created a chilling atmosphere. Guests hesitated, nerves jangling as they questioned their courage. As the elevator doors closed and the ride began, the tension built, culminating in a series of drops that elicited terrified screams. I used to relish observing the reactions of first-time riders, often quipping, “It only drops once,” knowing full well that one drop was just the prelude to a thrilling sequence.

In contrast, Mission Breakout exudes the vibrant and humorous essence of the Guardians of the Galaxyfilms. The characters, with their sharp wit and playful antics, infuse the ride with a lively, irreverent energy. The attraction retains the exhilarating drops, but they’re now wrapped in a narrative that’s lighthearted and fun. The atmosphere is brighter, the music pulsates with upbeat rhythms, and instead of screams of terror, the air is filled with laughter and cheers. Guests aren’t merely experiencing a physical drop; they’re embarking on an adventure with the Guardians.

So, what truly changed? It wasn’t the physical sensation of the ride—it was the story. By shifting the narrative from a haunting hotel to a playful, action-packed rescue mission, Disney transformed the experience from fear-inducing to exhilarating. This transformation illustrates the profound power of storytelling: It can completely alter our perception of an experience, turning what could be a source of fear into a source of joy and excitement.

If you find yourself paralyzed by fear, I challenge you to consciously change the story you’re telling yourself. Instead of thinking, I’m scared because this is dangerous or overwhelming, try, I’m excited because this is a new and thrilling opportunity for growth. Focus on the positive aspects: the potential for learning, personal growth, or discovering new experiences.

Let’s save steps three and four for next week. I don’t want to overwhelm you with too much information at once. Let me know what you think of these first two steps and share what’s working for you! Together, we can rewrite our stories and embrace the exciting adventures ahead.