Start Before You’re Ready: The Truth About Fear

For years, I’ve wanted to land on the SXSW stage. And for years, I heard that little voice in my head asking if I was good enough, if I had something important enough to say, and why they would pick me.

But when my friend and collaborator Tamilla, an international expert on human and AI collaboration, asked me to submit a session for SXSW with her, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

We spent hours brainstorming and refining, bringing together her work in human-AI collaboration and my work in interpersonal communication. We built our plan, submitted our proposal, and now it’s out there being voted on.

We don’t know if we’ll be chosen, but we’re willing to take the risk. 

Why? Because you can’t grow if you don’t push past fear and do what feels uncomfortable. And you can’t accomplish big things if you don’t try. 

Think about something big you have always wanted to do but have kept on the shelf because it scared you. 

Maybe you’ve convinced yourself you’re not ready yet. Maybe you’ve told yourself other people are better suited for it. Or maybe you’ve waited for the “perfect” time that never comes.

Unfortunately, those doubts will never completely disappear. You will never feel fully ready. 

Growth only happens when you take action before you feel prepared. When you quiet the voice in your head that says you can’t, and take the first step anyway. 

That is where confidence is built, momentum happens, and opportunities open up that you never imagined possible.

Don’t let the fear of failing keep you from the chance of succeeding. If there is something you can’t stop thinking about, let this be your sign that it’s time to take action.

Face your fear head on. Step out of your comfort zone. And go for it!

That’s what Tamilla and I are doing now, and we would love your help getting to the SXSW stage. Click here to cast your vote by August 24th!

Speak Success,

Shannon