3 Simple Shifts to Redefine Fear in 2025

The other day, my teenage daughter insisted on a Walmart run because our fridge was basically empty. I wasn’t in the mood to go inside, so I let her shop while I took a much-needed moment to myself.

As I sat scrolling through social media reels, I stumbled upon a story that captured my attention—a woman named Wiebke Lühmann had spent the last year biking all the way from Germany to the tip of Cape Town in South Africa.

Having traveled to Africa myself, I immediately thought, Wow, that is one huge undertaking. The continent is so vast and diverse—it’s not exactly a walk in the park. My second thought was, I’d be terrified to try something like that. But then it dawned on me: If Wiebke had let fear get in her way, she never would’ve had this incredible experience—one that’s now inspiring me (and countless others, I’m sure).

Turning Fear into Fuel

As this year unfolds, it’s clear there’s a lot we can’t control. Whether you’re living life here in Central Louisiana or pedaling a bike along the African coast, none of us really know what tomorrow brings.

Think back on this past year—there were probably plenty of surprises, both good and challenging. I know my year was full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, fear can hold us back from new experiences, new friendships, and new skills.

But what if we choose to see fear not as a stop sign but as a spark that fuels us forward?

3 Steps to Redefine Fear in 2025

Here’s how I plan to redefine my relationship with fear this year, and I hope you’ll join me in trying it out:

1. Lean into fear and get curious

When fear pops up, I pause and ask myself, What am I really afraid of? By naming the root cause, that big, ominous feeling becomes more like a clue to investigate than a roadblock.

2. Imagine the worst—then the best

I imagine the worst-case scenario, then I compare it with the best-case scenario. Most of the time, reality ends up somewhere in the middle, but just thinking about the best outcome reminds me why I’m taking the risk in the first place.

3. Focus on the likely result—learning something new

I’ve realized that even when things don’t go perfectly, I almost always learn something I can use next time. Let that possibility drive you.

So, as we embrace 2025, let’s redefine how we see fear. Let’s lean in, be bold, and remind ourselves that fear doesn’t have to hold us back—it can actually push us forward if we let it. If we only get one shot at this life, why not make it the most fearless year yet?

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