I turned 31 last month, and birthdays have become an interesting time for me. In fact, I scheduled a “year in review” post on my calendar several times. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. While my 30th year was a transformational one for me, I knew I’d left a lot on the table – mostly because of fear.

Oh, I can rationalize each “incomplete” with a perfectly logical explanation. But deep down I know that I didn’t do some things simply because I was scared.

So, the best birthday present I gave myself was a promise: a promise to not let fear stand in the way of my dreams anymore. Ironically, that statement itself is a little scary when I say it out loud. Holding back at times feels safe, but the regret sure burns later.

And while I’m trying to practice this in every moment of my life, some big things over the last month certainly stand out.

#1

I’m perfectly happy on an airplane, but get me on a ski lift or at the top of an arena, and it’s not pretty. I don’t know the clinical symptoms of an anxiety attack, but I’m pretty sure I’ve had several of them. My heart races, my hands sweat, tears flow, and I’m generally immobile. So when my husband informed me that he’d booked a canopy tour on our trip to Puerto Rico, I was less than thrilled. Then some part of me decided that this would be a fitting first challenge in my “No Fear” year.

So I did it. 90 minutes in the canopy of La Marquesa Forest in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Zipping from platform to platform on nothing but a couple ropes. I even bought the shirt. (And I didn’t have to use it to wipe my tears.)

Here’s the deal: I was terrified. The 45 minute wait on the first platform took everything I had. But I did the first one. And then the second. By the time the eighth one was over, I was much more relaxed. I could actually enjoy the stunning views.

Fear of Heights

#2

I’ve wanted a tattoo for several years. Not just any tattoo, but a specific one. I envisioned it clearly in my mind. I knew exactly what I wanted it to say. I knew exactly where I wanted it. But I was scared.

Scared of the needle. (I almost had my daughter naturally because I was scared of the IV.) But more scared of what people might think. What if someone judged me? What if I missed an opportunity because it was there? The endless what-ifs always prevented me from taking the next step.

And then about a week ago, I decided it was time to be true to myself. So with the expert guidance of my sister Jessica and her boyfriend Eric, I walked through the doors of Classic Tattoo in Las Vegas with my design in hand. It was very clean and quiet. Garth Brooks was playing on the radio. Ross was very patient with my questions and didn’t make fun of me for being nervous as heck. It really didn’t hurt that bad, but I was sweating profusely. When I got up from the chair, I had to promise that the puddle was sweat – and not something else.

I love it. It’s exactly what I’ve dreamed of for years. It’s the ideal reminder for me to keep my thoughts positive and focused on God. And I’m okay with whatever people think. (Yep, that’s really my left arm.)

Fear of Needles, Fear of Being Judged

#3

I’ve been an entrepreneur for more than a decade. I love building businesses. I’d say I’m pretty good at it. But there’s one aspect of business that still terrifies me: selling. I’m really not sure why, but I think it’s a fear of rejection.

If I just throw a concept out there and no one buys, it’s not like anyone really said “No.” Maybe they didn’t see it. But if I genuinely and personally ask for the sale and they don’t buy, that’s a Big Ouch. Or at least I thought it was. When we launched Imagine More University last Friday, I decided it was time to get over that one too. (This is actually the third time I’ve launched an online business related to Imagine More, but you probably didn’t hear about the first two. After all, I didn’t exactly sell them.)

We’ve developed two great classes to start with: GeekSchool and YouSchool. Chelle and I are passionate about this information, and we’re absolutely prepared to teach it. The technology Chelle’s designed to deliver the material in an innovative way is simply incredible. We’re going to show people how they can change their lives for 30 minutes a day.

And, you know what, I decided I’m actually going to tell people about it, especially if they’ve taken one of my live classes in the past or expressed a desire for a product just like this. I’m going to ask them to enroll and try it out. I’ve even had my first “no” – from a close friend. It’s ok. Neither of us died instantly. And there’s plenty more people out there to ask.

Fear of Rejection

One month. Four fears conquered. It’s a daily battle, but it feels great every time I defeat another one.

Now it’s your turn: What do you fear?

Do it anyway. (And when you do, let us know in the comments below. You can stay anonymous if you want.)