Have you ever wondered why fear freezes us? Fear has been my greatest kryptonite, and I’ve spent years pondering how to move through it instead of letting it paralyze me. Over time, I’ve tested small ways to shift from fear into action. Here’s what I’ve learned.
How to Take Micro-Steps Through Fear
The key for me has been taking the tiniest possible steps in the area of my fear. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. When something feels overwhelming, I shrink the step down until it no longer triggers that frozen state.
My First Breakthrough with Fear
I've always been fascinated by other cultures and languages. Traveling abroad was a deep desire of mine, but fear made it feel impossible. My first breakthrough happened in high school when I heard about a summer volunteer camp in Russia, where we would teach children—including those from a local orphanage.
I was immediately intrigued. But then fear spoke up:
"I’m too shy. I lack talent. I can’t perform in front of people."
That inner dialogue almost stopped me in my tracks. But deep down, I knew this was something I wanted.
Lesson One: Recognize Your Desire—Because Fear Will Challenge It.
Fear often targets the very things that matter most to us. Realizing this helped me separate my fear from my desire instead of letting fear automatically win.
Then, something unexpected happened.
My best friend—someone bold, outspoken, and full of confidence—was forming a team to go to the camp. When she asked me to join, I hesitated, but then I saw an opening: I didn’t have to do this alone. With a team, I wouldn’t have to lead. I could just be there and contribute in my own way.
Lesson Two: Find Your "Who."
Fear is easier to face when you’re not alone. Whether it’s teaming up with someone, seeking advice, or leaning on a mentor, the right "who" makes the "how" much more doable.
Facing Fear and Finding More Than I Expected
That summer in Russia changed me. I still remember the faces of the children—the way one girl, from the orphanage, took me under her wing and taught me her language, quizzing me every time we met. She was a better teacher than I could have ever been to her.
I remember the warmth of the borscht soup, the little boys fascinated by bugs, always carrying toads in their pockets. The Siamese cats that belonged to the camp leader. The twin boys, older than the others, always so polite. And, of course, the infamous outdoor toilet—a hole in the ground that became my personal nightmare. I would pray not to slip inside when venturing there in the dark.
Most of all, I remember the realization that I could do hard things when I wasn’t doing them alone.
That summer was a turning point. After that trip, I went on four more. Eventually, I even led teams myself.
Lesson Three: Small Steps Lead to Big Momentum.
The first step is the hardest, but it unlocks doors you never expected. What once felt impossible becomes second nature.
Your Fear Isn’t a Stop Sign
If fear is holding you back, try this:
Identify the smallest step you can take—one so tiny that it doesn’t overwhelm you.
Find your who—someone who can support or guide you.
Remind yourself that fear isn’t a stop sign; it’s just a challenge to move through.
You don’t have to be fearless to take action. You just have to take one step.
What’s one small step you could take today toward something you’ve been afraid to do?
Love,
Pia
P.S. The photo was taken one night during my last trip to Russia, while I was texting with my boyfriend and future husband Henkka
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