I probably have more self-help genre books on my shelf than any sane person ought to. But undoubtedly, one of my long time favorites is Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway® by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. I have recommended Susan’s work to all of my clients who have found themselves paralyzed with worry. Susan understands that fear is a part of what it means to be human and offers valuable insights and practical suggestions for living. She shares tools on how to identify limiting belief patterns in order to take action and move to a more powerful place.

I reached out to Susan (SJ) on the topic of “Stretching” oneself in order to see what the value meant personally for her.

AM: When have you stepped outside of your comfort zone?

SJ: Most of my life has been about stepping outside of my comfort zone.

AM: Why is that important for you?

SJ: Without stepping outside the comfort zone, there is no growth. This is a world filled with possibilities, but we have to step outside our comfort zone to even know that these possibilities exist.

AM: What was the defining moment in your past which helped you to realize your full potential?

SJ: I had many “defining moments” at different points in my life…my decision to go back to school after my children were born, my decision to keep trying to get my book Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway published after it had been rejected by many, many publishers, and on and on and on. Usually these defining moments came after times of confusion. I learned that if we remain patient and trusting, these times of confusion ultimately turn into times of clarity. Also, as I learned to trust my intuition, it became easier knowing the right thing to do.

AM: What surprises you about yourself?

SJ: That my work has been published in 100 countries and translated in 36 languages. The feedback that I get from around the world astounds me and fills me with joy…I am deeply blessed.

AM: What do you do on a daily/monthly basis that scares you?

SJ: Since I’ve incorporated the phrase, “Whatever happens, I”I’ll handle it” into my being, I don’t experience fear in the same way, I used to. It is an incredibly valuable affirmation. Also, one of the advantages of getting older, is that you realize that so many things that frightened you in the past, aren’t that important. I just go out there and do my best and trust that “It’s all happening perfectly.” (Another of my favorite affirmations.)

AM: What are you most afraid of?

SJ: Anything bad happening to the ones I love…particularly my wonderful husband who brings me so much comfort and joy.

Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. is considered one of the top self-help authors in the world. The Times (London) named Susan “the Queen of Self-Help”. Her first book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway®, launched her career as a best-selling author. Seventeen more books have followed, the latest being The Feel the Fear Guide to Lasting Love. Visit her inspirational website at www.susanjeffers.com.

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