How the Thrill of Conquering a Fear Builds Strength and Confidence

How often do you step out of your comfort zone and do something scary? If you are like me, my guess is not often enough, and most likely, you are missing out on all life has to offer. Perhaps the time has come for you to discover how the thrill of conquering a fear builds strength and confidence, plus much more.

Conquering a Fear Brings Transformation

Last week I signed up for a ski lesson with the hope of picking up a few pointers to improve my skiing. However, I attained much more than a few tips, and it was an unexpected life lesson on how facing our fears can bring about transformation. 

The ski lesson wasn’t something I feared, but I knew I would be stepping out of my comfort zone. After all, who likes putting themselves out on display for someone to scrutinize and correct. Do you? I wanted to improve my skiing, but there was a fear I wanted to conquer hidden underneath my desire for a lesson.

The Real Fear is Uncovered

There was a particular part of the mountain that I had deemed off-limits for years. I once attempted the treacherous part, and it was terrifying and a bit of a disaster. Yet, I had always wanted to return and conquer my fear. About an hour into the lesson, with my voice crackling, and insecurities at an all-time high, I asked my instructor, Aaron, “Do you think I could ski Jupiter?

Taken back by his immediate response, “Of course, you can ski Jupiter. Do you want me to take you?”

Borrowing Someone Else’s Confidence

I replied, “Well, maybe later if you think I can tackle the mountain.” I realized I would have to borrow his confidence if I attempted this feat.

So two hours went by, practicing those quick turns necessary to navigate the moguls we would encounter. He looked over at me, “Do you want to head up to the bowls now? ( A ski bowl is an area with steep slopes, moguls, and challenging terrain, and it looks like a cereal bowl.) You can do it.”

“Sure, I replied with a little more confidence.”

The Fear was Mounting

We skied over hard frozen snow and arrived at the Jupiter lift. As I glanced around, all that stood out were the signs, “Expert Skiers” and “Double Diamonds.” I am sure the look in my eyes spoke volumes, and the ski instructor took one look at me and replied, “You can do this, but we don’t have to go up if you have changed your mind. 

I’m not known to back down too often from a challenge. Over the years, I have learned to face my fears (I have many), stretch myself, and do things afraid.

As we traveled up the ski lift higher and higher, there was no clear path down in view and few skiers. Thoughts were running through my head, had I made a mistake. What kind of fool am I? 

Aaron gave me a choice: we could traverse across the mountain, through the trees to the far bowl, or go down more straightforwardly. He explained that many people don’t like to ski across. I thought to myself, no problem, so we hopped off the lift and headed out.

We All Need Encouragement and a Guide

Aaron called out, “Follow me.” 

Before I knew it, we were on a path only one foot wide. It wasn’t even wide enough to snowplow. I edged hard with my skies to slow my pace. But then I took my eyes off of my guide and glanced to the right. The drop was steep with jagged rocks here and there. What in the world was I thinking? The fear engulfed me, and I tried to reassure myself that at least if I fell, the ski patrol was stationed not too far behind me. But not entirely convinced they could retrieve me on this cliff. 

I quickly focused on my instructor and concentrated on his reassuring words. “You got this. Take your time—edge in deep to slow your pace.”

Slowly but surely, we traversed across the hill, through the trees, and arrived at the moguls (snow-covered bumps). It felt exhilarating to succeed on the first part of the adventure, and now I was ready to tackle the bowl. 

One look down, and I wasn’t quite sure anymore— the slope looked beyond my skill set. Yet, the encouragement kept flowing as my instructor reminded me, “You can do this. The first turn is always the hardest, and all you have to do is plan your path, drop in, and go for it.” He paused as I pondered the terrain with the mounds on this steep mountain and then asked, “Would you like to follow me?”

“Yes, I would”

So off he went, made a few turns, and stopped to wait for me. He yelled up, “Okay, Maree, go.”

The Thrill of Conquering a Fear

I dropped in one turn, two, and so on—I was on fire. The thrill of conquering a fear was invigorating, and I instantly was filled with satisfaction, courage, strength, and confidence. As I pulled out of the parking lot that day, I felt ready to tackle the impossible in life.

What does it feel like when you conquer a fear? Do you feel ready to tackle more?

As I settled into my evening, I realized there was so much more I learned than simply skiing down a hill. 

Five Life Lessons Learned When Victorious Over a Fear

1. Fears are easier to conquer when we keep our eyes fixed on a coach with more wisdom.

The minute we look too far to the right, the left, or ahead, the fear engulfs us, insecurity rises, and we falter. For skiing, it was Aaron. However, God wants to be our coach in life, and the minute we take our eyes off of Jesus, the unexpected challenges in life feel impossible. 

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne. 
Hebrews 12:2 GNT

2. God doesn’t intend for us to face life’s challenges alone.

God created us to be in community with Him and others. When we feel like giving up, an encouraging word from God or a friend can be the fuel to keep us going.  

3. We don’t need to wait for the fear to dissipate.

4. Sometimes, we need to borrow someone else’s confidence.

Our fear often blocks us from seeing our ability. The Lord is the best person; He knows our capabilities better than we do. After all, He created us, and with Him, anything is possible. Others can also be a huge help. We can do more than we think with God by our side, 

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NASB)

5. We build confidence, strength, and courage by stepping out of our comfort zone.

At first, the accomplishment may seem unimportant in the big scheme of life. Please don’t underestimate the lasting value it will have. The more we face the small things in life that scare us, the better prepared we will be when life throws us a significant unexpected circumstance that looms with fear. 

Conquering a Fear One at a Time

Perhaps, like me, you have all kinds of fears. I’m the one that had every window wired for an alarm in our first two-story home. I even debated with my husband that we needed to alarm the garden window that didn’t even open. I was that scared, shy child who wouldn’t raise her hand in class and public speaking or writing was out of the question. And yet, here I stand today, as a writer and a speaker. It didn’t happen overnight, but it started by doing one thing at a time, which scares me. I still have many fears to conquer.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and experienced the thrill of conquering a fear? What did you learn?

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