Everyone loves a good secret—especially the kind that sounds like insider knowledge. Like there’s a magic shortcut the rest of the world hasn’t discovered yet. And if you’re like most of the brilliant, driven women I coach, you’re probably always scanning for the thing you’re missing—the mindset shift, the system, the strategy.
Well, I’m going to let you in on something that doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s real. And it’s the truth behind every high-achieving woman I know.
The dirty little secret of success?
High achievers face their fears.
Yep. That’s it. Not what you were expecting, right?
Fear Isn’t a Sign You’re Failing—It’s a Sign You’re Growing
Fear doesn’t mean you’re weak or unqualified. Fear means you’re standing at the edge of something important. You’re about to grow. But here’s the deal:
Some people let fear define them.
Others let it fuel them.
And that difference? It’s everything.
My Personal Fear? Flying.
Let me tell you a little story. I have a fear of flying. Always have. It’s not the “oh I don’t like turbulence” kind of fear—it’s the kind that makes your palms sweat hours before takeoff. For me, it’s about control. Or more accurately, lack of it. I’m trusting a stranger to get me safely through the clouds in a giant metal tube. And my brain? It does not enjoy that scenario.
I’ll never forget one flight in particular. Years ago, my grandfather passed away, and I had to fly—alone—with my two small children from Georgia to Iowa for the funeral. I was terrified, but I didn’t want my kids to see that. I was the mom. I was supposed to be the strong one.
But kids are intuitive.
I remember my son—wide-eyed, excited, fearless—turning to the flight attendant and saying, “My mom’s scared of flying.” I could’ve melted into the carpet from embarrassment. Here I was, trying to be brave, and my kid just outed me to the entire row.
But you know what? We made it. We landed. And they were fine. And I was too. Shaky, but safe.
Still, if I could drive somewhere instead of fly, I did. For years.
“I came to a literal fork in the road—left meant growth, right meant safety. I almost turned around. But I didn’t. I took the damn left.”
Then Came the Mastermind Invite
A few years ago, I was invited to a private mastermind event in California. It was exclusive, high-level, and exactly the kind of room I wanted to be in as a growing business owner.
And it meant I had to fly again.
I hesitated. Couldn’t I just learn online? Maybe Zoom in instead? Surely, I didn’t need to be in the room to grow.
But deep down, I knew that was fear talking. So I made a decision—I booked the flight and asked my daughter to come with me. I told myself it was for her—so she could see California—but the truth was, I needed the accountability. I needed to be strong for her the way I tried to be years earlier.
The Moment That Changed Everything
We were driving toward DFW airport when we came to a fork in the road—literally. Turn left to go to the airport. Turn right to go back home.
I can still feel the tension in my chest from that moment. That split second held a choice that felt much bigger than a flight.
Left meant growth.
Right meant safety.
I almost turned right. I almost let fear win. But I didn’t.
I took the damn left.
And no, that flight wasn’t magical. I was nervous. I gripped the armrests. I may have made a quick stop at the airport bar.
But I didn’t cancel. I didn’t quit on myself.
And that decision? It changed everything.
This Isn’t About Planes—It’s About Power
Facing fear doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as not backing down when every part of you wants to. Sometimes, it’s saying yes to the uncomfortable thing—because on the other side of fear is freedom.
Whether your fear is:
- Launching something new
- Hiring help
- Public speaking
- Raising your prices
- Being truly visible
You don’t need to eliminate the fear. You just need to move through it.
Let’s Bring This Back to You
Take a breath. Think for a moment.
What’s your “airplane”?
What’s the thing you keep avoiding because it makes you uncomfortable?
What’s the decision you know would change everything—but you haven’t taken the left yet?
Because I’ll tell you this from personal experience:
You don’t need to be fearless. You need to be willing.
Your Next Step (Yes, Even If You’re Scared)
Here’s your invitation, friend.
✅ Name the fear
✅ Say it out loud or write it down
✅ Take one small action today—just one
✅ Celebrate the courage it took
✅ Rinse and repeat
You are not alone in this. Fear is normal. It just doesn’t get to be in charge anymore.
Ready to Walk Through the Fear With Support?
If you’re ready to stop letting fear hold the pen in your story, let’s talk.
This is what coaching is for—creating brave space, building bold plans, and walking through the scary stuff with support.
