"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers is a groundbreaking self-help book that delves into how fear affects our decision-making and progress in life. Jeffers argues that fear is natural but should not deter us from taking action or pursuing our goals. Through practical advice and exercises, she empowers readers to embrace their fears and move forward with confidence, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment.
Fear will never completely go away, so action must happen despite feeling afraid.
The only real fear is the fear that we can’t handle whatever happens—by trusting our ability to cope, we disempower fear.
Taking responsibility for your life and your choices is crucial to overcoming fear and living fully.
The book was published in: 1987
AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 85
Jeffers encourages the use of positive affirmations such as 'I can handle it!' to reprogram your mindset. By repeating affirmations, you retrain your thoughts and gradually reduce anxiety when facing fear-inducing situations.
Instead of waiting for the fear to subside, Jeffers recommends taking action while feeling fear. For example, if public speaking terrifies you, sign up for a speaking opportunity, preparing thoroughly, and do it even while afraid.
The book discusses the paralysis that comes with making decisions out of fear. Jeffers offers a practical technique of listing outcomes for each choice and understanding that whatever choice you make, you will handle it, reducing anxiety over potential regrets.
Jeffers suggests stretching your comfort zone incrementally. For example, if social situations make you nervous, start by attending small gatherings and gradually work up to larger events, acknowledging your accomplishments at each step.
Cultivating a network of supportive people is emphasized in the book. Jeffers recommends sharing your fears with trusted friends or groups, which reduces isolation and provides encouragement to take risks you might otherwise avoid.
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AI Rating: 90
AI Review: With research-backed insights, Brown explores how embracing vulnerability and imperfection is key to a fulfilled and courageous life. The book provides practical tools to cultivate authenticity and resilience, which align well with Jeffers' ideas about confronting fear.
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AI Rating: 88
AI Review: Brown further discusses the transformative power of vulnerability. Her advice on stepping into uncertainty in both personal and professional life echoes Jeffers' call to act in spite of fear.
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AI Rating: 92
AI Review: Dweck explores the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets and explains how embracing challenges and learning from failures enables you to overcome fear and reach your potential.
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AI Rating: 95
AI Review: Clear provides an actionable framework for making small changes that lead to big results. Building better habits is a powerful antidote to fear-based inertia, complementing the action-oriented advice in Jeffers’ work.
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AI Rating: 86
AI Review: Brown examines what it takes to rise from falls and setbacks. Her approach to owning your story and learning from failure aligns closely with the themes of perseverance in the face of fear.
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AI Rating: 84
AI Review: Robbins introduces the simple but effective '5 Second Rule' to beat hesitation and self-doubt. Her technique is an actionable way to implement Jeffers' advice to 'do it anyway'.
View Insightsby Steven Pressfield
AI Rating: 90
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View Insightsby Daniel H. Pink
AI Rating: 89
AI Review: Pink reveals the psychology and science behind motivation, encouraging readers to pursue intrinsic goals despite fear. The book’s insights into autonomy and purpose support Jeffers’ message of self-empowerment.
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AI Rating: 88
AI Review: This inspirational book offers creative frameworks for transforming professional and personal life. Its optimism and practical exercises dovetail with Jeffers' strategies for moving beyond fear.
View Insightsby Tara Brach
AI Rating: 91
AI Review: Brach melds Western psychology and Buddhist wisdom to teach self-compassion and acceptance. Her work is especially helpful for those whose fears are tied to self-judgment or a sense of inadequacy.
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AI Rating: 93
AI Review: Tolle’s spiritual classic offers practical guidance on living in the present moment. By focusing on the now, many of the chronic fears described by Jeffers lose their power.
View Insightsby Kristin Neff
AI Rating: 87
AI Review: Neff’s book provides concrete exercises for developing self-compassion, crucial for building the inner strength needed to face fears, as advocated by Jeffers.
View Insightsby Susan Jeffers and Harry Stamp
AI Rating: 80
AI Review: Co-authored by Susan Jeffers, this book extends many of her core ideas about personal responsibility, emotional regulation, and positive thinking.
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AI Rating: 85
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AI Rating: 84
AI Review: Brown delves into the value of true belonging and standing alone in your convictions, which requires the kind of courage Jeffers discusses.
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AI Rating: 83
AI Review: Sandberg and Grant share personal and research-based insights into building resilience after loss and tragedy. Their advice helps readers move through fear and uncertainty towards hope.
View Insightsby Elizabeth Gilbert
AI Rating: 89
AI Review: Gilbert offers practical inspiration for living creatively without being ruled by fear. Her conversational style and actionable advice resonate with Jeffers’ themes.
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