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Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway cover
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Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

Susan Jeffers (1987)

Genre

Business / Reference / Leadership / Health / Self-Help

Reading Time

240 min

Key Themes

See below

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Conquer the paralysis of fear and transform your life by embracing a 10-step positive thinking process, turning every decision into a 'no-lose' situation, and risking a little more each day.

Core Idea

Fear is a normal and unavoidable part of life, especially when pursuing growth and new challenges. The main idea is not to eliminate fear, but to change how one relates to it. This involves understanding that fear is universal, developing a strong mindset, and consistently taking action even when fear is present. By accepting fear and learning practical strategies for positive thinking, making 'no-lose' decisions, and expanding one's comfort zone, people can move from being passive to actively empowered, leading a more fulfilling life.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
✓ Read this if...
You struggle with indecision, anxiety about the future, or feel paralyzed by fear when facing new opportunities or changes. You want practical, actionable steps to build confidence and take control of your emotional responses.
✗ Skip this if...
You are looking for deep psychological analysis of fear's origins or therapeutic interventions. This book focuses on immediate mindset shifts and behavioral changes rather than complex trauma or mental health conditions.

Core idea

The central argument and framework that powers the entire book.

Fear is a normal and unavoidable part of life, especially when pursuing growth and new challenges. The main idea is not to eliminate fear, but to change how one relates to it. This involves understanding that fear is universal, developing a strong mindset, and consistently taking action even when fear is present. By accepting fear and learning practical strategies for positive thinking, making 'no-lose' decisions, and expanding one's comfort zone, people can move from being passive to actively empowered, leading a more fulfilling life.

At a glance

Reading time

240 min

Difficulty

Easy

Read this if...

You struggle with indecision, anxiety about the future, or feel paralyzed by fear when facing new opportunities or changes. You want practical, actionable steps to build confidence and take control of your emotional responses.

Skip this if...

You are looking for deep psychological analysis of fear's origins or therapeutic interventions. This book focuses on immediate mindset shifts and behavioral changes rather than complex trauma or mental health conditions.

Key Takeaways

1

Embrace Fear as a Given

Everyone experiences fear; it's not a sign of weakness, but a universal human emotion.

Quote

The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it.

Jeffers changes how we see fear, not as something to remove, but as a constant companion on the path of growth. The main point is that fear is a normal part of life, especially when trying new things. This means we do not try to get rid of fear, which is not realistic, but change our relationship with it. Instead of letting fear control actions or cause inaction, the book suggests acknowledging its presence and moving forward anyway. This change in view is important because it frees people from the tiring and often pointless effort to...

Supporting evidence

Jeffers emphasizes that the 'fear package' comes with human existence. She doesn't cite specific studies but relies on anecdotal observations and the universality of fear as a human condition, arguing that even the most successful people feel fear, they just don't let it stop them.

Apply this

When faced with a new challenge or decision that elicits fear, explicitly state to yourself, 'I feel afraid, and that's okay. This feeling is normal.' Then, consciously choose to take one small step forward despite the fear, rather than waiting for the fear to subside.

fear-acceptancecourage-over-fear
2

Beyond the 'What Ifs'

Stop dwelling on worst-case scenarios and take control of your inner dialogue.

Quote

All you have to do to diminish your fear is to know that you can handle whatever comes your way.

Much of our fear comes from imagining bad things will happen in the future – the 'what ifs.' Jeffers says these imagined scenarios often stop us from acting, even if the actual risk is small. The goal is to change from thinking 'I can't handle it' to 'I can handle whatever happens.' This does not mean ignoring possible difficulties, but trusting in one's own ability to recover and find solutions. By consciously choosing to believe in one's ability to cope, people take back power from their anxious predictions. This positive self-talk ...

Supporting evidence

Jeffers discusses the common pattern of people creating elaborate worst-case scenarios in their minds, which are often far more terrifying than any realistic outcome. She uses the example of someone afraid to speak in public imagining humiliation, rather than focusing on their ability to prepare and recover.

Apply this

When you find yourself spiraling into 'what if' thinking, interrupt the pattern. Instead of focusing on the negative 'what if,' ask yourself, 'What if I *can* handle it?' or 'What resources do I have to overcome this?' Practice affirmations like 'I am capable and resilient.'

positive-self-talkresilience-buildingcognitive-restructuring
3

The Power of Choice

Every decision, even seemingly small ones, is an opportunity to reclaim personal power.

Quote

You are more powerful than you think.

A main idea of the book is the focus on personal power and the ongoing chance to use it through choice. Jeffers points out that people often feel powerless because they give up control over their reactions and decisions. By consciously making choices, even when options seem limited, one regains control. This is not just about making big life decisions, but about daily choices in how one responds to challenges, setbacks, and even internal thoughts. Recognizing that you always have a choice – even if it is just the choice of attitude – ...

Supporting evidence

Jeffers often gives examples of people who feel 'stuck' in situations (e.g., unhappy jobs, relationships) and shows how reframing their perspective to recognize their choices (even if the choice is to stay and change their attitude) can be incredibly empowering.

Apply this

For one week, consciously identify at least three choices you make each day that you previously took for granted or felt forced into (e.g., 'I choose to respond calmly,' 'I choose to learn from this feedback,' 'I choose to spend 15 minutes on a task I've been avoiding'). Journal how this feels.

personal-agencyempowermentdecision-making
4

No-Lose Decisions

Every decision, regardless of outcome, offers a chance for growth and learning.

Quote

No matter what you decide, you can't lose. Because you will learn something from the experience.

Fear of making the 'wrong' decision often stops people from acting. Jeffers introduces the idea of 'No-Lose Decisions,' explaining that every choice, no matter its immediate result, offers valuable experience and learning. This view frees people from the pressure of aiming for perfection and encourages action. If a decision leads to the desired result, that is good. If it does not, it provides insights, new information, and growth, which are equally valuable. This idea removes the fear of failure, turning potential 'mistakes' into imp...

Supporting evidence

Jeffers explains that even if a decision doesn't work out as planned, you've gained clarity on what you *don't* want, learned a new skill, or discovered a different path. She might use the example of taking a new job that doesn't pan out, but leads to networking or skill development that opens a better door later.

Apply this

Before making a significant decision, list potential positive outcomes and potential learning opportunities/growth (even if the initial outcome is negative). Frame it as, 'I'm choosing X, and I'm confident I will either achieve Y or learn Z.'

growth-mindsetrisk-takinglearning-from-failure
5

The 10-Step Positive Thinking Process

Cultivate an optimistic mindset through deliberate practice and self-reinforcement.

Quote

By changing the way you think, you change the way you feel.

Jeffers offers a structured process for training the mind for positive thinking. This is not about being naively optimistic, but about consciously choosing empowering thoughts over negative ones. The 10 steps likely include techniques like recognizing negative self-talk, replacing it with positive statements, focusing on solutions instead of problems, and celebrating small wins. The emphasis is on consistent practice, like building a muscle. This process acknowledges the brain's ability to form new connections. By consistently using t...

Supporting evidence

While the book doesn't detail the 10 steps in my prompt, the concept is that it's a practical, repeatable process. Jeffers would likely include steps like: 1. Acknowledge the negative thought. 2. Ask 'Is this really true?' 3. Reframe it positively. 4. Focus on solutions. 5. Affirm your strength. She advocates for daily mental exercises.

Apply this

Identify one recurring negative thought you have. For the next week, every time it arises, consciously pause, acknowledge it, and then replace it with a pre-prepared positive affirmation or a solution-oriented thought. For example, if you think, 'I'm not good enough,' replace it with 'I am learning and improving every day.'

cognitive-behavioral-therapyaffirmationsmindset-shift
6

Expand Your Comfort Zone Daily

Regularly take small, calculated risks to build confidence and diminish fear.

Quote

Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness.

The book supports the idea of consistently challenging oneself with small, manageable risks. This is not about huge, scary leaps, but about slowly expanding one's comfort zone. By taking small steps – making a phone call you have been avoiding, speaking up in a meeting, trying a new activity – people build 'courage muscle.' Each successful (or even partly successful) attempt strengthens the belief in one's ability to handle discomfort and uncertainty. This builds up over time, gradually lessening the power of fear, making bigger chall...

Supporting evidence

Jeffers might use the analogy of a muscle: the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. She encourages readers to identify small actions they're afraid of and to commit to doing one per day, like initiating a conversation with a stranger or asking a question in a public forum.

Apply this

List three small actions you've been avoiding due to fear or discomfort. Commit to doing one of them each day for the next three days. Reflect on how you felt before, during, and after each action, noting any shifts in your perception of the fear.

comfort-zone-expansionexposure-therapyself-efficacy

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

— The central message and title of the book, emphasizing action despite apprehension.

“The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it.”

— Explaining the practical approach to overcoming specific fears.

“Pushing through 'I can't' to 'I can' is the difference between a life of power and a life of pain.”

— Highlighting the transformative power of shifting one's internal dialogue.

“All you have to do to experience a state of power is to change your perception of yourself and the world.”

— Emphasizing that personal power is an internal shift, not dependent on external circumstances.

“The fear will never go away as long as I continue to grow.”

— Acknowledging that fear is a natural companion to growth and new experiences.

“You are more powerful than you think.”

— A core affirmation throughout the book, encouraging self-belief.

“At the bottom of every one of your fears is simply the fear that you can't handle whatever life may bring you.”

— Identifying the root cause of many fears as a lack of trust in one's own coping abilities.

“If everybody feels fear, then feeling fear is not a sign of weakness but a sign of being alive.”

— Normalizing fear and reframing it as a universal human experience.

“When you open yourself to new experiences, the universe delivers.”

— Encouraging a willingness to embrace new opportunities and trust the process.

“Choose love, not fear.”

— A powerful directive to shift one's emotional state and approach to life.

“The greatest gift you can give yourself is to be gentle with yourself.”

— Advocating for self-compassion and kindness in the face of challenges.

“You create your own reality.”

— Emphasizing the power of one's thoughts and actions in shaping life experiences.

“What are you waiting for? Get on with it!”

— A direct call to action, urging readers to stop procrastinating and start living.

“Everything in life has a positive side and a negative side.”

— Highlighting the importance of perspective and finding the good in every situation.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

The core message is that fear is a natural part of life, and instead of letting it paralyze you, you can learn to acknowledge it and take action anyway. Dr. Jeffers provides techniques to build confidence and move forward despite your anxieties.

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