“I’ll pay you a quarter to go to the basement with me,” said eight-year-old Hayes to five-year-old Jay.
My older son refused to go to the basement alone. Eventually his younger brother upped his price. So Hayes took the Jack Russell downstairs with him instead—Jack was much cheaper labor and accepted stick throwing for payment.
Spiders were another major concern. I routinely had to check Hayes’ shoes for them and their webs. Come on, who hasn’t wanted to do that?
Fast forward 14 years and Hayes is now in his second year as a fisherman in the Bering Sea. Yes, on a boat just like the one on the show Deadliest Catch, which is often docked right beside his.
When I think about Hayes’ previous inability to go into the basement and how he now spends his time in the most cold and frightening waters on earth, I admit I am in awe.
But in years of coaching clients, I know that conquering fears—even lifelong, debilitating ones you think you’ll never let go of—can be done. Hayes is proof.
Hayes realized he wanted something more, and fear was what was standing in the way of what he wanted. He wanted to be a part of that life in Alaska. NOT having that became the bigger fear!
Hayes realized that safety is an illusion. Hayes also realized…
There really is no such thing as safety. Yes, you can keep your young children safe from stoves and traffic. But as adults no one really knows what’s going to happen.
Fear stops so many people in their lives and in their businesses. If you’re held back by your fears, it’s impossible to move forward in your life. You can let go of the need to be safe and take the opportunity to try new things.
What are you afraid of?
Being laughed at?
Looking stupid?
Being judged by that person you knew 20 years ago?
Being wrong?
Imagine how your life would change if you faced that fear.
What would you do if you had no fear?
Move into doing work that matters?
Speak your truth to your spouse or boss?
Speak on stage?
Charge more?
Have more conversations that convert to sales?
In just the last year, my clients have been walking through fear like a boss! They are doing amazing things like:
- Stepping into their life’s work
- Releasing old stories that have held them back
- Feeling at peace in their life and business
- Charging what they are worth
- Enjoying healthy boundaries and open communication
“I’ve gotten so much more out of working with Tandy these past few months than working with a counselor for a year! Her approach truly is an effective, powerful blend of knowledge, experience, intuition, professionalism, and raw honesty. I highly recommend her if you’re looking for a breakthrough!”
—Tracy Lamriben
If you are ready to step out of the fear, let’s talk. This is what I help people do every day.
And here’s a video Hayes shot with a GoPro while working on the boat. A far cry from our Cincinnati basement stairs!
