This week I had the privilege of meeting with one of the leaders within the company I work with. We all know this type of person- successful, driven, and passionate. Michelle is a successful businesswoman who is able to run her own business from home and have complete control over her own life. While those things are certainly impressive what impressed me most about Michelle was the joy that radiated from her as she shared her journey with me. She was quick to accredit her happiness to following God’s plan for her life. It was absolutely obvious that she had been unafraid to follow her dreams and is now achieving them.

Our conversation left me feeling motivated and encouraged. Of course, I want to live a life that leaves me feeling joyful and fills me with purpose. People everyday are following their dreams and taking big leaps of faith. What is stopping me? What is stopping you?

I have discovered what was stopping me and I am willing to bet it’s been stopping you too.

Fear.

Fear tells us that staying in the comfort of our day-to-day routine is better than branching out and taking a risk. Fear paralyzes us and makes us doubt our ability to do anything unusual. Fear is the enemy of joy. Fear is the enemy of success.

Fear is a liar.

Michelle shared with me that overcoming fear is the first step to pursuing big dreams. When fear is defeated change can begin to happen. Fear has no place in a life desiring to be lived to its fullest potential. Thankfully, there is a word that is more powerful than fear - action.

Action Kills Fear.

Whatever your dream is- no matter how big or small- taking actions toward it will slowly abolish the fear of rejection, the insecurities, and the doubt. For me, that means writing even when I’m insecure about my abilities as a writer. For my husband, it means recording an album even when he is afraid that no one will listen. For you, it may be something entirely different.

As a Christian, the advice Michelle gave me goes hand-in-hand with scripture. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). God has a unique plan for every person, but following the dreams and desires he gives us can be daunting. It is when I am afraid that I have to remember

Action Kills Fear

The best part about following big dreams and overcoming fear is that the worst that can happen is still better than never doing anything. Doing the things we love to do brings joy. Living the life we know we are meant to live brings peace. Every person has a special God-given purpose in life- finding that purpose is far more satisfying than conforming to the norm. Taking a baby-step toward your goal is better than no step at all.

It’s time to take action. It’s time to rise up against our fears and insecurities and have the courage to follow our dreams. Today I have decided to let go of fear and passionately pursue the dreams God has given me. I hope you will be inspired to do the same.

As with all good things- it may not be easy, but it will always be worth it.