If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas Edison

Article written by contributor Tess Marshall of Take Your Fear and Shove It.

Editor’s note: Scroll down to learn how you can win a free copy of Tess Marshall’s powerful new ecourse, Take Your Fear and Shove It. Reading by email? Click here to visit the site to participate.

Everyone struggles with fear.

It is healthy to admit when you are afraid, worried, or anxious. To do so requires strength.

You will never get rid of fear.

If you are alive you have fear. You have two choices. You can deny your fear and fail to take action. Or you can face it and do what it takes to dissolve it.

One choice brings misery. The other brings happiness. It’s that simple.

I grew up on an 88 acre produce farm with nine siblings. We were required to begin working in the fields when were five years old. We worked in both good and bad weather, before and after school, and on Sundays and holidays.

We worked nine months a year.

On the days we weren’t planting, weeding, watering or harvesting, our fruits and vegetables, we were at the Farmers Market selling it.

My siblings and I would be dropped off with two trucks of produce at 5:30 a.m. We were told it needed to be sold by 6 p.m. when my father picked us up.

We did what we were told, we succeeded.

When I was very young, some customers frightened me. I would help them but not say much. Over time, it became easier and I learned how to be friendly, make jokes and have fun.

My siblings and I became very skilled. It wouldn’t be unusual to find us in charge, in the fields or at the market by the age of 13.

We day dreamed of running away and finding jobs where we got paid by the hour. We weren’t happy with our small allowance.

It wasn’t until I was married and on my own, that I realized how many rewards I reaped from life on the farm.

I learned how to grow food and to love nature and all of its glory.

I learned how to show up, problem solve, and work as part of a team. I knew how to keep repeat customers satisfied.

The biggest gift was that I learned how to work hard, overcome fear and do what was required.

With this knowledge, I started my first successful business when I was 18 years old. I’ve always been an entrepreneur.

Don’t delay your dreams

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. ~ Steve Jobs

Remember our time here is limited, our days are numbered. We are not immortal.

It’s time to let go of our fears and seize the day. It’s time to take responsibility and live full-out. Nobody is coming to rescue you.

Go out, take focused action, be busy

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Develop courage by taking action. Dare to make a difference and use your talent and gifts to make the world a better place.

Things will go wrong. So what?

You’ll make mistakes. So what?

You will be rejected. So what?

Keep going, ask for help, find support, and be willing to do what it takes.

Enjoy life

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature…Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. ~ Helen Keller

Don’t miss your chance to live life with overflowing joy and wild adventure. Have fun, travel, and be spontaneous. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

My daughter Kristy was born without a right hand. She participates in marathons and triathlons.

Turn your fear into excitement. There is no excuse to sit on the sidelines of life. Do what brings you joy.

Chase your fears

Not to dream more boldly may turn out to be, in view of present realities, simply irresponsible. ~ George Leonard

Safety is an illusion. Go after your fears like your dreams depend on them.

If you want to learn how to speak in public, join Toastmasters. If you fear flying, travel. If you fear making sales calls, put them first on your to-do list.

If you want something different, you have to do something different.

Expect to succeed. Replace doubt and fear with hard work, focus, and persistence.

Never give up

The darkest night is often the bridge to the brightest tomorrow. ~Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Life isn’t easy and it isn’t fair. Don’t compare yourself to others. Resist whining and complaining.

Learn to take one day at a time.

Keep your eye on the prize. Concentrate on it. See it in your mind’s eye. See it benefiting everyone. Give yourself a break but never give up.

Take a leap of faith

When I am afraid, I open my heart and let the love dissolve the fear. ~ Louise Hay

Release fear and control and replace it with faith and trust. Learn to have faith and trust, in yourself, in others, and in the world.

Trust that you are being taken care of and supported on the way to your dream.

The more you trust in the process of life, the more life will uphold you, guide you, and shower you with goodness.

Be committed to expressing your greatness!

Ecourse Giveaway & Meet Tess

Share in Comments below one fear you have recently faced or an inspirational quote that helps you overcome fear and win a free copy. You can enter until midnight, Sunday, January 15.

Update: The winner for this giveaway has been chosen. Subscribe to The BridgeMaker to receive twice-weekly emails to learn about future giveaways!
The winner:
– Dee