Do the thing

You know that feeling, right? That invisible 'jar' where all your anxieties and 'what ifs' reside? For the longest time, mine was overflowing, keeping me from adventures I dreamed of, like seeing those breathtaking canyon views with their stunning red and white rock formations, or embarking on a truly challenging hike. I wanted to see beautiful places, but the 'fear of bad things' often held me back, making me question if I should even try traveling beyond my comfort zones. My recent trip, which culminated in a 6-hour trek through incredible wilderness under a brilliant blue sky, wasn't just a physical journey; it was my personal 'jar of fears' template in action. It proved that sometimes, the best method isn't a rigid plan, but a commitment to 'do the thing' anyway. Here’s what I learned and how you can start emptying your own 'jar of fears': 1. Acknowledge and Empty Your Jar (Real Talk): Just like cleaning out an old, rusted car that’s been sitting for ages, I had to acknowledge what was truly holding me back. Was it the fear of failure on a winding dirt path? The worry about the unknown of new places? The 'real talk' starts with identifying these fears. Don't just let them sit there, hidden. Write them down, speak them out loud – make them tangible so you can confront them. 2. Break It Down (Small Steps, Like a Snail): That tiny snail slowly but surely making its way across a large green leaf? That's your inspiration. Big adventures, like a 6-hour hike through an expansive canyon vista, seem daunting when you look at the whole picture. But if you focus on the next turn in the path, the next scenic overlook, or just putting one foot in front of the other, it becomes manageable. Don't let the entire 'mountain' overwhelm you. What's the smallest step you can take today towards 'overcoming fears and taking action'? 3. Embrace Vulnerability (It's Okay to Be Scared): Part of the journey is embracing vulnerability. It takes courage to admit you're scared or uncertain. But sharing that, even just with a trusted friend or journaling about it, makes you realize you're not alone. This open acceptance of your feelings is where true growth begins. It's perfectly fine to want adventure for a birthday but still feel nervous about making it happen. 4. Visualize the Reward (What's Your 'But I Did It' Moment?): I kept picturing those dramatic canyon vistas, the feeling of triumph, and the sense of accomplishment. Having that clear 'why' – the beautiful places I wanted to see, the personal growth I craved – helps push you through the tough moments. When the going got tough on that challenging hike, I reminded myself of the 'But I did it' feeling waiting for me at the end. That mental picture is a powerful motivator. 5. Just Go (So I Went): Ultimately, the most effective 'jar of fears template' is action. As the text on one of my journey photos powerfully declared, 'So I went.' There's no perfect moment, no magic spell that suddenly makes all fear disappear. You just have to lace up your boots, pack your bag, and start. The fear might still be there, but it shrinks with every step you take outside your comfort zone. My experience taught me that the satisfaction of pushing past 'fear of bad things' and completing an epic journey, even one that took 6 hours, is truly indescribable. So, if your 'jar of fears' is holding you back from your next adventure, whether it's a big trip like exploring new rock formations or a smaller personal goal, remember this: the most effective template is often simply taking that first step. 'Overcoming fears and taking action' is a muscle you build, one beautiful, challenging experience at a time.