How to Overcome Fear and Say YES to Your Dreams (Even in the Uncertainty)

You feel the nudge. The dream that won’t let go. The vision that excites you—and terrifies you.

But then fear creeps in: What if I fail? What if it doesn’t work? What if I’m not ready?

WHAT IF?!!!

Sound familiar?

Fear is the biggest dream-killer there is. It keeps you stuck in the what-ifs instead of taking action. But here’s the truth: Fear doesn’t mean stop. It means you’re stepping into something bigger.

So how do you move past the fear and say YES to your dreams, even when uncertainty feels overwhelming? Let’s dive in.

1. Reframe Fear as a Sign of Growth

Fear is not the enemy. It’s a signal that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone—where real growth happens. Instead of seeing fear as a stop sign, see it as a green light.

💡 Try This: The next time fear shows up, say: “This means I’m growing. I welcome this feeling because it means I’m stepping into my YES.”

2. Get Clear on Your Why

Fear loses power when your purpose is stronger than your doubt. Why do you want this dream? What impact will it have on your life and others?

💡 Try This: Write down three reasons why saying YES to your dream matters. Let this be your anchor when fear tries to pull you back.

3. Take One Bold (But Small) Step

Fear thrives in inaction. The longer you wait, the louder it gets. The secret? Take action before you feel ready. Even the smallest step shifts your energy from doubt to momentum.

💡 Try This: What is one small, fearless step you can take today? A phone call, a commitment, a conversation? Just one. Then another.

4. Stop Waiting for “Perfect”

The perfect time? It doesn’t exist. The perfect plan? You’ll figure it out along the way. The only difference between you and those who achieve their dreams is that they start before they feel ready.

💡 Try This: Give yourself permission to start messy. Done is better than perfect.

5. Visualize Your YES Moment

Imagine yourself on the other side of fear—living your dream, feeling the joy, celebrating your success. Visualization isn’t just wishful thinking; it rewires your brain for confidence.

💡 Try This: Close your eyes and see your future self after you’ve said YES. Feel it. Believe it. Let that version of you pull you forward.

Say YES to You

Fear will always be there. But so will your dream. The question is: Which one will you listen to?

This is your time. Your moment. Your YES Year.

💛 Are you ready to take the first step? Download my free Yes Method Starter Guide and start saying YES to your dreams today.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Cathy Johnson

Cathy (Alessandra) Johnson, also known as The YES I CAN Coach, is a Certified Life Coach and a dynamic, innovative woman who inspires women in the US and abroad into action. An entrepreneur for over 30+ years, Cathy has owned and published two magazines and has multiple best-selling books on Amazon with her third, Dare to Be You: You Were Born to Be Brave, Bold and Fabulous, released in the fall of 2019 and latest compilation book, YES YOU CAN, also on Amazon. She coaches entrepreneurs around the world using her signature YES Method tm.

Cathy is the CEO of YES I CAN Living and has been featured on CBS.com, career-intelligence.com and KFWB news radio in Los Angeles among others. She was nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal “Women Making a Difference” award and others as well as receiving the President’s Call to Service Life-Time Achievement award for her philanthropic work. She is a Certified Life Coach but more importantly, she has "been there”, “done that" and “walks her talk”. Her stories of challenge to celebration and struggle to success along with her implementable tips, tools and proven strategies will inspire you and/or your audience to say YES I CAN to creating a life they love.

Cathy is a Certified Life Coach who works with women ready for transformation in their personal and professional life. Using the YES I CAN tools, your fear of “no i can’t” will become, “YES I DID”!

https://www.yesicanliving.com/about
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