"If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy"

Fear can be paralyzing. You’ve probably felt it before, right? That gnawing sensation that keeps you stuck, hesitant, and doubting yourself. The core idea here is simple: the best way to overcome fear is through action. Sitting around and ruminating only intensifies the anxiety. Instead, by staying active and engaged, you redirect your focus and your energy toward something constructive.

Imagine someone who’s scared of public speaking—let’s call her Jane. Jane has spent countless hours at home, worrying about all the things that could go wrong during her presentation. The more she thinks about it, the more terrifying it becomes. However, if Jane decides to start practicing her speech in front of a mirror, then in front of a small group of friends, and gradually in larger settings, she begins to build confidence. Each step she takes, each moment she spends actively doing rather than thinking, chips away at her fear.

This advice comes from a place of understanding human psychology. We often fear what we don’t know or what we haven’t faced. The act of engaging with the fear itself, instead of avoiding it, exposes us to the reality of the situation—it's usually not as bad as our minds make it out to be. This was particularly relevant during times of great change or challenge. Think about the Great Depression, when people had to face their fears of financial ruin. Those who found ways to keep busy, whether through work, community service, or new projects, were often more resilient than those who sat idle, paralyzed by their worries.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Let’s say you’re afraid of starting a new job. Rather than letting the fear of the unknown consume you, take small steps to prepare. Research the company, practice the skills required, and maybe even connect with future colleagues. Each proactive step helps diminish the fear.

Here’s a scenario to illustrate: Picture yourself about to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. You’re terrified of failing, of losing money, of what people might say. But instead of letting these fears overwhelm you, you break the big, scary goal into manageable tasks. You start by writing a business plan. Then you consult with a mentor. Next, you attend networking events to meet others who’ve been in your shoes. Each action, no matter how small, builds momentum. Before you know it, you’re too busy to be scared.

Remember, the path to conquering fear is littered with action steps, not thoughts. Fear feeds on inaction and overthinking. So, get out there. Stay busy. Face your fears head-on, one step at a time. And who knows? You might just find that what once seemed terrifying isn’t so scary after all.