I *Heart* this question…

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

I first read this question in the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I got interested in her message after hearing her Ted Talk during a women-focused training back in 2014. That question stuck with me.

Ted Talk Link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18uDutylDa4)

Ever since, this question has helped me frame many decisions. It has been kind of a guiding light to know if I am not pursuing something consciously or if I am avoiding it because of fear. The words fear and afraid are broad. I understand that. Being afraid could mean: afraid of the effort, afraid of the consequences, it has different meanings to each individual, but from the most general perspective, I would dare to say fear is fear.

This question helped me pursue running, 4 years ago; this Sunday I am running my first marathon. I am not a “fast” runner, I am not the most resilient runner but 4 years in, I am not afraid anymore of trying new distances or committing to a long term running goal.

This question, was also key when in 2015 I wrote in a napkin the first draft of my writing savings plan. The title of the napkin was: Writing Year/One year without income.

The answers could sometimes take several iterations or even several years; the execution of the answers could take even longer, but facing the question is the first step.

I love asking myself: what would you do if you weren’t afraid? It really does help me, maybe it helps you too.

So, today what would YOU do if YOU weren’t afraid?

M.

I searched for the napkin, it is hidden somewhere in one of my 87 notebooks. While I look for it, CS Lewis magical quote seem appropriate.