My typical pattern goes something like: have an idea for a next step (could be a major business strategy, or an email to send, or an unpleasant conversation to attempt, or just a mildly unpleasant errand); immediate fear-driven voices in my head (thoughts) telling me why it could be a bad idea (the ‘amplified’ downside); never do the thing.

(See 2x2 grid of short-term good/bad vs long-term good/bad)

It has been by far the most severely limiting factor of the last XX years of my life.

It’s taken me 2 years of intentional effort to get to the point where I actively notice this process happening (vs suppressing it) and feel I can break out of it.

Break out of it by making the commitment to choose courage over comfort every moment of every day (thanks Brené Brown).

It will be hard. I’ll fuck up. I’ll build back stronger each time. And I believe 2022 will be a significantly more productive, life-changing, healthy, joyous year for it.