Table of Contents
Introduction to “Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway”
“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” is a self-help book written by Susan Jeffers, originally published in 1987. The book is designed to help readers overcome their fears and achieve personal and professional growth. It has been widely popular and has had a lasting impact on the self-help genre.
Key concepts and principles
- Understanding Fear: Jeffers discusses the nature of fear and how it often holds people back from pursuing their goals and dreams. She emphasizes that fear is a natural part of life and that everyone experiences it.
- The Five Truths About Fear: Jeffers outlines five truths about fear:
- The fear will never go away as long as you continue to grow.
- The only way to get rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it.
- The only way to feel better about yourself is to take action.
- Not only are you afraid when you’re about to step out of your comfort zone, but you also feel great afterward.
- The only way to conquer your fear is to “feel the fear and do it anyway.”
- Taking Responsibility: Jeffers encourages readers to take responsibility for their own lives and choices. She believes that by taking responsibility, individuals can regain a sense of control and reduce feelings of helplessness.
- Changing Your Thoughts: The book suggests that changing the way you think about fear and challenges can have a significant impact on your ability to overcome them. Positive affirmations and reframing negative thoughts are techniques Jeffers promotes.
- Action as the Cure: Jeffers emphasizes the importance of taking action, even when you feel afraid. She argues that by taking action, you build confidence and diminish the power of fear over your life.
- Expanding Your Comfort Zone: The book encourages readers to gradually expand their comfort zones by taking small risks and gradually working their way up to bigger challenges.
Chapter 1: What Are You Afraid of and Why?
Theory: In the opening chapter, Susan Jeffers introduces the central theme of her book: fear. She argues that fear is a universal human emotion and that everyone experiences it in various forms. Jeffers emphasizes that it’s not the fear itself that’s the problem, but how we respond to it.
Key Concepts:
- The Levels of Fear: Jeffers introduces the idea that there are different levels of fear, ranging from common everyday fears like public speaking or rejection to deeper existential fears about the meaning of life and our place in the universe.
- The Role of Perception: She highlights that fear is often rooted in our perceptions and beliefs about ourselves and the world. These perceptions can be changed.
Examples: Jeffers provides examples of individuals facing their fears, such as starting a new job, ending a relationship, or pursuing a dream. She shows how fear can be paralyzing but also how it can be a catalyst for personal growth.
Chapter 2: Can’t You Make It Go Away?
Theory: In this chapter, Jeffers explores the common desire to eliminate fear altogether. She argues that trying to eradicate fear is futile and counterproductive because fear is an inherent part of life.
TRUTH 1: The fear will never go away as long as I continue to grow.
TRUTH 2: The only way to get rid of fear of doing something is to go out and do it.
Fear diminishes when we confront it. The doing it comes before it goes away. Your heart may pound, knees may shake when you do it the first time. Next time, you will feel much better.
TRUTH 3: The only way to feel better about myself is to go out and do it.
Doing it makes things better, not the other way round. Improves self confidence.
TRUTH 4: Not only I am going to experience fear whenever I am on unfamiliar territory, but so is everyone else.
A first step in retraining your thinking is to say the fear truths at least ten times a day for next month. It is reprogramming your subconscious mind until you automatically implement these things.
TRUTH 5: Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a feeling of helplessness.
Key Concepts:
- The Paradox of Control: Jeffers introduces the paradox that the more you try to control and eliminate fear, the more it controls you. Instead, she suggests embracing fear as a natural part of life.
- The Courage to Experience Fear: She encourages readers to develop the courage to face fear head-on and take action despite feeling afraid.
Examples: Jeffers shares stories of people who have attempted to eliminate fear through various means, such as avoiding challenging situations or relying on external factors for security. These examples illustrate the limitations of these approaches.
Chapter 3: From Pain to Power
Theory: This chapter focuses on the concept of transforming pain and suffering into personal power. Jeffers argues that pain is an inevitable part of life, but it can be a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment.
Key Concepts:
- Taking Responsibility: Jeffers emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our lives and the choices we make, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
- The “I’ll Handle It” Attitude: She introduces the idea of adopting an attitude of “I’ll handle it” when facing challenges, which empowers individuals to confront their fears and take positive action.
Examples: Jeffers provides examples of individuals who have turned their pain into power, such as overcoming traumatic experiences, dealing with loss, or taking control of their health. These stories demonstrate the transformative potential of embracing challenges.
Chapter 4: Whether You Want It or Not, It’s Yours
Theory: In this chapter, Susan Jeffers introduces the idea that fear is a part of life that cannot be avoided. She argues that embracing fear rather than trying to escape it is key to personal growth and empowerment.
Key Concepts:
- Acceptance of Fear: Jeffers emphasizes that fear is an inherent part of the human experience and that it will always be present in various forms throughout life.
- “The Truth that Sets You Free”: She encourages readers to acknowledge the truth that fear is a part of their reality, which can liberate them from the struggle to eliminate it.
Examples: Jeffers shares real-life stories of individuals who have accepted their fears and used them as stepping stones to achieve their goals. These examples illustrate how embracing fear can lead to personal growth and success.
Chapter 5: Pollyanna Rides Again
Theory: This chapter explores the concept of positive thinking and its limitations. Jeffers argues that while positive thinking has its place, it should not be used to deny or suppress fear.
Key Concepts:
- Positive Thinking vs. Positive Acceptance: Jeffers differentiates between positive thinking, which may involve denying or minimizing fear, and positive acceptance, which involves acknowledging fear while still taking positive action.
- Affirmations: She introduces the use of positive affirmations as a tool for changing limiting beliefs and self-talk.
Examples: Jeffers provides examples of people who have relied solely on positive thinking to overcome their challenges but ultimately found that this approach was insufficient. She emphasizes the importance of combining positive thinking with positive acceptance.
Chapter 6: When “They” Don’t Want You to Grow
Theory: In this chapter, Jeffers addresses the influence of others’ opinions and expectations on our lives and decisions. She encourages readers to assert their own desires and growth, even when others may resist or discourage change.
Key Concepts:
- External Influences: Jeffers discusses how family, friends, and societal expectations can often discourage personal growth and change because they prefer the status quo.
- The Importance of Self-Approval: She highlights the significance of seeking one’s own approval and making decisions based on personal desires and values.
Examples: Jeffers shares stories of individuals who faced resistance and criticism from those around them when they pursued their goals and desires. These examples illustrate the challenges of breaking free from external influences to pursue personal growth.
Certainly! Here are summaries for the next three chapters of Susan Jeffers’ book, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”:
Chapter 7: How to Make a No-Lose Decision
Theory: In this chapter, Susan Jeffers delves into decision-making and provides a framework for making choices that empower rather than paralyze. She emphasizes that indecision and fear of making the wrong choice can be debilitating.
Key Concepts:
- No-Lose Decisions: Jeffers introduces the concept of “no-lose” decisions, where you decide that no matter what choice you make, you will learn and grow from the experience.
- Trust in Yourself: She encourages readers to trust their ability to handle the consequences of their decisions and to let go of the idea of a “perfect” choice.
Examples: Jeffers presents examples of people who faced difficult decisions in their lives, such as career changes or relationship choices. These examples illustrate how adopting a no-lose mindset can alleviate the anxiety associated with decision-making.
Chapter 8: Say Yes to Your Universe
Theory: While there seems to be a missing Chapter 8 in the previously provided table of contents, I can provide an overview based on the book’s themes.
Key Concepts: This chapter likely explores the idea of saying “yes” to opportunities and experiences in life rather than turning them down due to fear or hesitation. It may discuss the importance of being open to new possibilities and embracing the unknown.
Examples: In this chapter, Susan Jeffers may share stories of individuals who transformed their lives by saying “yes” to opportunities that initially scared them, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment.
Chapter 9: Just Nod Your Head – Say Yes
Theory: Building on the theme of saying “yes” to life, this chapter may delve deeper into the idea of taking risks and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. It likely explores the concept of expanding one’s comfort zone.
Key Concepts:
- Stretching Your Comfort Zone: Jeffers may discuss the importance of pushing past your comfort zone and taking on challenges that initially trigger fear.
- The Power of Agreement: She may emphasize the transformative power of agreeing to face your fears and take action, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Examples: The chapter may contain real-life examples of individuals who decided to nod their heads and say “yes” to new experiences, whether it’s starting a business, traveling alone, or pursuing a passion. These stories illustrate the rewards of embracing fear and uncertainty.
Chapter 10: Choosing Love and Trust
Theory: In this chapter, Susan Jeffers explores the concepts of love and trust as powerful antidotes to fear. She emphasizes that by choosing to approach life with love and trust, individuals can overcome fear and lead more fulfilling lives.
Key Concepts:
- Choosing Love: Jeffers discusses the idea that love is a more powerful and constructive force than fear. She encourages readers to choose love in their thoughts, actions, and relationships.
- Building Trust: She emphasizes the importance of building trust in oneself and in the universe, believing that things will work out for the best.
Examples: Jeffers provides examples of people who faced challenging situations with love and trust, such as forgiveness in relationships or taking risks in their careers. These stories demonstrate the transformative impact of choosing love and trust over fear.
Chapter 11: Filling The Inner Void
Theory: In this chapter, Jeffers addresses the common human experience of feeling an inner void or emptiness and how this void can lead to fear and insecurity. She explores strategies for filling this void with meaning and purpose.
Key Concepts:
- The Inner Void: Jeffers explains the concept of the inner void, a sense of emptiness or lack of fulfillment that many people experience. She argues that fear often arises from this inner void.
- Filling the Void: She provides guidance on how to fill this void through personal growth, pursuing passions, and finding meaning in life.
Examples: The chapter likely includes examples of individuals who transformed their lives by addressing their inner void, whether by finding purpose through volunteering, pursuing creative endeavors, or embarking on a spiritual journey.
Chapter 12: There Is Plenty of Time
Theory: In the final chapter, Susan Jeffers explores the perception of time and how it relates to fear. She argues that the belief in scarcity of time can lead to fear, stress, and procrastination, and she offers a different perspective on time.
Key Concepts:
- The Scarcity of Time: Jeffers discusses how the perception of time as a limited resource can generate fear and anxiety.
- Abundance of Time: She introduces the concept of an abundance of time, encouraging readers to shift their perspective and make the most of the present moment.
Examples: Jeffers may share stories of individuals who overcame their fear of time running out by making changes in their lives, setting priorities, and living more mindfully. These examples illustrate the liberating power of viewing time differently.
Additional Reading
- “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: This book explores the importance of living in the present moment and how it can lead to inner peace and personal transformation. It offers practical guidance on overcoming fear and anxiety.
- “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown: Brené Brown’s work focuses on vulnerability and how embracing it can lead to courage and authentic living. Her research and insights provide valuable tools for overcoming fear and shame.
- “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: Carol Dweck explores the concept of fixed versus growth mindsets and how one’s mindset can impact personal development and achievement. It offers strategies for adopting a growth mindset.
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown: Another book by Brené Brown, this one delves into embracing imperfections and vulnerabilities as sources of strength and authenticity. It provides practical guidance for living a more wholehearted life.
- “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz: This book presents four principles based on ancient Toltec wisdom to achieve love and freedom from self-limiting beliefs. It offers a practical guide to transforming fear into personal power.
- “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero: This motivational book offers humor and straight-talk to help readers overcome self-doubt and fear. It encourages self-empowerment and taking bold actions.
- “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson: Mark Manson challenges conventional self-help advice and explores the idea that embracing limitations and difficulties is key to a more meaningful life. It offers a fresh perspective on dealing with fear and anxiety.
- “Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins: Tony Robbins provides strategies and techniques for personal growth, including overcoming fear and achieving one’s goals. It’s a comprehensive guide to transforming various aspects of life.
- “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth: Angela Duckworth’s book explores the importance of grit, which is a combination of passion and perseverance. It offers insights into achieving long-term goals despite challenges and setbacks.
- “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman: This book delves into the concept of emotional intelligence and how it can be harnessed to improve relationships, manage emotions, and overcome fear and anxiety.