Facing the Fear: Turning Hesitation into Opportunity

Issue #5: Facing the Fear: Turning Hesitation into Opportunity

Welcome to issue number five of The Authentic Voice. Today, I’m sharing a story about a client who faced her fears and took the first steps toward realizing a big dream.

As usual, I’ll also share a powerful resource that can help you collect and craft your own stories.

Storytime: A Client’s Journey from Fear to Action

Recently, I worked with a client who came to me wanting to become a better storyteller. What we soon discovered together was that she had an even bigger goal: creating her own podcast.

As a college professor and psychologist, she was incredibly knowledgeable and well-spoken. But when it came to showing up on camera or putting herself out there as a podcast host, fear started to creep in.

She was afraid of being judged and worried about not being perfect. Sound familiar?

What she knew, though, was that the only way to grow was by getting out of her comfort zone and putting herself out there, despite her fear.

Growth Comes Through Repetition and Practice

As we worked together, her goal started to take shape. Each time we met, she would practice her storytelling, as both a podcast host or guest. 

These practice reps were critical. They gave her the confidence and experience she needed to eventually step into her new role, even though it was unfamiliar territory.

Little by little, the fear started to loosen its grip.

She began to figure out her audience, her format, and the kinds of conversations she wanted to have. She’s getting closer to launching the podcast she’s always dreamed of, and it’s because she took action, massive imperfect action, but action nonetheless.

Where Fear Hides, Growth Awaits

What this story reminds me of is how common it is for even the most accomplished people to feel fear when faced with something new. 

Whether it’s showing up for a podcast, speaking at a conference, or launching a new initiative, fear is often a signal that we experience.

But here’s the truth: the only way to move forward is to take action. When you face challenges head-on, you discover what problems actually exist, and you can begin solving them. It’s through those practice reps and repetitions that growth happens.

My job as a coach is to help you uncover your blind spots. By identifying where fear is holding you back, I can guide you toward the action that will move you forward.

What’s holding you back? What fear are you avoiding?

If you’re struggling with taking that next step, maybe it’s time to explore how coaching can help. Sometimes, you just need that extra push to break through the fear and uncover your next big opportunity.

Resource of the Week: Kindra Hall’s Stories That Stick

In her book Stories That Stick, Kindra Hall introduces four powerful types of stories that can help you communicate more effectively:

1. The Founder Story: This story reveals how your journey or business began, building trust and showing the unique challenges you’ve overcome.

2. The Value Story: Highlight how your product or service solves problems, creating impact in marketing and sales.

3. The Purpose Story: Share the bigger "why" behind what you do, connecting your team and audience to your mission.

4. The Customer Story: Let your clients’ success tell the story, building credibility and resonating with potential customers.

If you’re interested in learning how these story types can help you communicate more effectively, I highly recommend reading Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall.

Where your fear is, that’s where the story is.

So, what about you? What fear is holding you back from sharing your voice or launching that project? If you’re unsure of how to take the first step, let’s chat. I’m offering a free 15-minute session to help you identify those blind spots and start taking action.

It’s never too late to become a great storyteller! 

~Rico