Give Yourself Permission to Grow and Overcome Fear

Give Yourself Permission to Grow

What is the one thing you desperately want for your business or career in the next 12 months but feel afraid to pursue? Like most people, the gap between your goals and your actions isn't a lack of talent or opportunity—it’s often fear.

Let’s dive deep into how to take ownership of your year by giving yourself permission to chase those goals and dreams, face your fears, and unlock exponential growth.

Why Permission Matters

Many times, we wait for assurance from the outside—whether a mentor, a friend, or society's stamp of approval—that we are ready to start pursuing goals. Sometimes, we seek assurance from an inner voice without knowing where it comes from or whose it really is. So what are we to make of fear?

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). No one on the outside can give permission to pursue dreams. That power, through faith, is yours alone in Christ. 

If you have ever held back because you didn’t feel qualified, experienced, or you were scared to fail, well, you're not alone. It's normal to feel afraid, but that doesn’t mean your life needs to be ruled by that feeling. Real change comes when you actually let yourself take risks, trusting in yourself and staying rooted in faith to get you through. It means trusting God's outcome, while at the same time cultivating a growth mindset.

3 Lessons to Empower Your Success

1. Name Your Fears
   Be honest with yourself, and complete this sentence: “I desperately want [this outcome], but I’m afraid to pursue it because of [this fear].” Writing it down brings clarity and shines a light on the roadblocks you’ve created in your own mind.

2. Courage Over Perfection

   The desire for perfection often masks a deeper fear—the fear of putting ourselves out there for the world to see, or making decisions for our work that leave us feeling vulnerable. It’s easier to endlessly refine and plan than to take action and risk failure. But true courage comes from embracing imperfection and moving forward despite uncertainty. The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Even the most successful entrepreneurs and business owners feel fear when starting something new, but they take bold steps forward because their faith and courage outweigh their desire for comfort and control. Let go of perfection and focus on progress—one imperfect step at a time. 

3. Lean into the Pivot
   Success is rarely linear. Sometimes you’ll change careers, shift your focus, or do a complete 180. Each pivot teaches you more about yourself and strengthens your trust that God is always in control, even when unseen. Remember: your path is unique, and you’re allowed to evolve or change direction. No one is wired the way you are, and that's because the LORD has a unique calling and purpose for your life. Rest in that assurance, especially when confronted by the obstacle of fear.

Your Year to Say Yes

So let’s make 2025—or whatever year you are reading this—the year you stop waiting and take that first step forward. Start pursuing that dream business opportunity, launch that new project, or have that bold conversation. It is on the other side of your action where freedom, growth, and fulfillment lie.

As Ecclesiastes states, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). The time to make that first move into those things you believe God has called you, well, today is a great day to make a first step into it. There will never be a perfect day or time, so don't wait.

Take the First Step

Giving yourself permission to pursue your dreams is the greatest gift you can give yourself. What are you saying yes to this year? I’d love to hear about these bold moves and help you create an action plan. Let this be your year of breakthrough with those fears holding you back. Reach out today—I’d love to hear about your plans, encourage you, and possibly walk alongside you as you gain clarity, set goals, and stay accountable.

Email me at [email protected]