Overcoming Your Fears Is More Important Than Making Money

The other day I went around door-to-door with copies of my books. There was no real need for this — I simply wanted to prove to myself I could do it, and I also know the book has a powerful message that can continue helping others.

It was a total flop. The last thing most people want is someone showing up on their doorstep selling something. I felt like an idiot standing on people’s doorsteps and ringing their doorbell. I truly felt very uncomfortable and didn’t sell a single copy. I did give away one of my books for free to someone who could barely walk because he was recently in a bad car accident.

Objectively speaking, it didn’t go well. But I don’t view it that way. I view it as a win. I had a fear of ringing people’s doorbells and I overcame that fear, regardless of the outcome. When you prove to yourself that you’re able to do something, the outcome becomes irrelevant. It’s the willingness to put yourself out there and face your fears that count the most. Taking well-reasoned, life-affirming risks allow you to grow as a person, deepening your understanding of yourself while continuing to be of service to others.

Here’s an excellent quote from my friend Dananjaya Hettiarachchi that sums up everything said here:

“Success is not in the money you make but in the fears you overcome.”

Jeff Davis is author of the award-winning book Reach Your Mountaintop: 10 Keys to Finding the Hidden Opportunity in Your Setbacks, Flipping What You’ve Heard on Its Head, and Achieving Legendary Goals.