Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

Last updated: Jul 11, 2023

Summary of Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers is a self-help book that aims to empower individuals to overcome their fears and live a more fulfilling life. Jeffers argues that fear is a natural part of life and that it is not the absence of fear that leads to success, but rather the ability to take action despite feeling afraid.

The book is divided into several sections, each addressing a different aspect of fear and how to overcome it. Jeffers begins by explaining that fear is a learned response and that it can be unlearned through a process of self-awareness and self-acceptance. She emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life and choices, and encourages readers to stop blaming external circumstances for their fears.

Jeffers introduces the concept of the "five truths about fear," which include the idea that fear will never go away completely, that fear is not the enemy, and that fear can be used as a motivator for growth. She encourages readers to reframe their perception of fear and view it as a positive force that can propel them forward.

The author provides practical strategies for dealing with fear, such as affirmations, visualization, and taking small steps towards facing one's fears. She emphasizes the importance of taking action and not allowing fear to paralyze or limit one's potential. Jeffers also discusses the role of self-esteem in overcoming fear, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and self-love.

Throughout the book, Jeffers shares personal anecdotes and stories from her own life and from her clients, illustrating how individuals have successfully overcome their fears and achieved their goals. She also addresses common fears such as fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of making decisions, providing specific strategies for overcoming each fear.

In the final section of the book, Jeffers explores the concept of "expanding one's comfort zone" and encourages readers to continually challenge themselves and push beyond their perceived limitations. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change and taking risks in order to grow and live a more fulfilling life.

Overall, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" is a comprehensive guide to understanding and overcoming fear. It provides practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and a positive mindset shift that empowers readers to take action and live a life free from the limitations of fear.

1. Fear is a natural part of life

In "Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway," Susan Jeffers emphasizes that fear is a natural part of life and something that everyone experiences. She explains that fear is not something to be avoided or eliminated but rather something to be acknowledged and embraced. By accepting fear as a normal emotion, we can learn to move forward and take action despite feeling afraid.

Jeffers encourages readers to reframe their perception of fear and see it as a sign of growth and opportunity. She explains that fear often arises when we are stepping outside of our comfort zones and trying something new. By recognizing fear as a positive indicator of personal growth, we can approach it with a sense of curiosity and excitement rather than avoidance.

2. Taking responsibility for our own lives

One of the key takeaways from "Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway" is the importance of taking responsibility for our own lives. Jeffers emphasizes that we have the power to choose how we respond to situations and that we are responsible for our own happiness and success.

She encourages readers to shift from a victim mentality to an empowered mindset. By taking ownership of our choices and actions, we can regain control over our lives and overcome the fear that may be holding us back. Jeffers reminds us that we have the power to create the life we desire and that it starts with taking responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

3. The power of positive affirmations

Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for overcoming fear and building self-confidence. In "Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway," Jeffers emphasizes the importance of using positive affirmations to reprogram our subconscious mind and replace negative thoughts with empowering beliefs.

She suggests creating personalized affirmations that resonate with us and repeating them daily. By consistently affirming positive statements about ourselves and our abilities, we can gradually shift our mindset and overcome the fear that may be holding us back. Jeffers explains that positive affirmations help us build a strong foundation of self-belief and resilience, enabling us to face challenges with confidence and courage.

4. The concept of "no-lose" decisions

Jeffers introduces the concept of "no-lose" decisions in her book, highlighting that there are no wrong choices in life. She explains that every decision we make is an opportunity for growth and learning, regardless of the outcome.

By embracing the idea of "no-lose" decisions, we can alleviate the fear of making the wrong choice and instead focus on the lessons and experiences that come from our decisions. Jeffers encourages readers to trust their intuition and make choices based on what feels right in the present moment, knowing that they have the power to handle any outcome that arises.

5. The importance of taking action

"Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway" emphasizes the importance of taking action despite feeling afraid. Jeffers explains that action is the antidote to fear and that by taking small steps towards our goals, we can gradually build confidence and overcome our fears.

She encourages readers to break down their goals into manageable tasks and take action consistently. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, we can reduce the overwhelming feeling of fear and gain momentum towards our desired outcomes. Jeffers reminds us that taking action is a choice we can make every day, regardless of how we feel, and that it is through action that we can transform our lives.

6. The power of visualization

Visualization is a powerful technique discussed in "Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway." Jeffers explains that by visualizing ourselves successfully overcoming our fears and achieving our goals, we can reprogram our subconscious mind and build confidence.

She suggests creating vivid mental images of ourselves confidently facing our fears and achieving our desired outcomes. By regularly visualizing success, we can train our minds to believe in our abilities and reduce the fear that may be holding us back. Jeffers emphasizes the importance of incorporating all our senses into the visualization process, making the images as detailed and realistic as possible.

7. The role of gratitude in overcoming fear

Gratitude is a powerful tool for overcoming fear and shifting our mindset. In "Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway," Jeffers highlights the importance of cultivating a gratitude practice to counteract negative thoughts and fears.

She suggests starting each day by listing three things we are grateful for, no matter how small. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can shift our attention away from fear and cultivate a sense of abundance and positivity. Jeffers explains that gratitude helps us reframe our perception of fear and reminds us of the many blessings we have in our lives.

8. Embracing uncertainty and change

Jeffers encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and change as opportunities for growth and transformation. She explains that fear often arises when we are faced with the unknown, but by reframing our perception of uncertainty, we can approach it with curiosity and excitement.

She suggests viewing change as a natural part of life and an opportunity for personal development. By embracing uncertainty, we can let go of the need for control and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Jeffers reminds us that change is inevitable, and by embracing it, we can overcome our fears and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.