Susan Jeffers’ Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is a timeless and empowering guide to overcoming fear and reclaiming confidence in every area of life. First published in 1987, its wisdom feels as relevant today as ever. Jeffers’ message is simple yet profound: fear will never completely disappear, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. The real transformation begins when you act in spite of fear, not when you wait for it to vanish.
Jeffers invites readers to reframe how they view fear—not as a barrier, but as a sign of growth. Every time we step outside our comfort zone, she explains, we feel fear because we are stretching into new territory. The solution is not to avoid fear, but to develop the inner tools to move forward confidently despite it. Her tone is compassionate, encouraging, and deeply practical, making the book feel like a personal conversation with a wise and supportive friend.
One key lesson is her idea that “the fear will never go away as long as you continue to grow.” This perspective frees us from the illusion that courage means being fearless; instead, courage means acting with fear.
Another core concept is Jeffers’ “Levels of Fear” model, which helps readers identify whether their fears stem from external circumstances (“I might fail”) or from a deeper lack of trust in themselves (“I can’t handle it”). Building self-trust, she argues, is the ultimate antidote to fear.
A third takeaway is the “Pain-to-Power” vocabulary shift—a simple yet powerful tool for transforming helpless language into empowered thinking. By changing phrases like “I can’t” into “I won’t” or “I choose to,” Jeffers shows how our words shape our mindset and behavior.
Finally, she encourages readers to “say yes to life”—to approach opportunities, relationships, and challenges with an open heart and a willingness to learn rather than withdraw.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is more than a self-help book—it’s a guide to living boldly and authentically. Whether you’re facing a career change, a new relationship, or simply the everyday anxieties of modern life, Jeffers’ wisdom reminds you that growth lies on the other side of fear. Inspiring, practical, and full of warmth, this classic deserves a place on every personal development bookshelf.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is available in multiple formats at great prices from Amazon.