The first time I went to Mexico with a group of friends, we planned to go ziplining. At first, I was thrilled at the idea of flying through the air. The only problem? I was scared. As much as I wanted to experience the thrill, my fear was just as strong. But I was determined to push through. So before the trip, I watched YouTube videos, visualized myself calmly soaring through the trees, and meditated on my fear. By the time we arrived, I felt ready.

Then the day came. As I climbed to the top of the cliff, harnessed in my gear, my heart pounded, my muscles tensed, and my confidence wavered. Every step made me question if I could actually do it. By the time I reached the edge, I was seconds away from backing out.

Then the instructor locked me in and counted down—”1, 2, 3, zip!”—and suddenly, I was flying. Tight with fear. Bracing for disaster. But then a voice in my head whispered, “You’re in it now.”

That moment of realization shifted something inside me. There was no going back. I had to embrace the experience. Slowly, my body relaxed, my grip loosened, and I started to enjoy it. The fear transformed into exhilaration. I was soaring.

When I landed, my fear had melted into something else…pride. I looked back at the steep drop I had just conquered and thought: I did it. I can do hard things.

What This Means for Leadership

Leading a team, making tough decisions, stepping into new opportunities, these all come with moments that feel just like standing at the top of that cliff. Fear, doubt, and resistance creep in. You second-guess yourself. You wonder if you’re really ready. But the truth is, just like ziplining, leadership requires stepping forward even when fear tells you to back out.

1. The Hardest Part Is Taking the First Step

Whether it’s launching a new initiative, addressing a difficult conversation, or making a bold business move, the hardest part is often just beginning. The fear of the unknown can keep you stuck, but once you commit, you’re in it. And once you’re in it, you adapt.

2. Growth Comes from Embracing Discomfort

Pushing through fear doesn’t just get you to the other side—it expands your capacity. Every time you face a challenge head-on, you build resilience. Leaders who embrace discomfort, rather than avoid it, grow stronger, more capable, and more confident.

3. Fear and Excitement Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

Fear and excitement feel remarkably similar in the body. The rush of adrenaline, the quickened heartbeat—it’s all energy. Great leaders know how to reframe their fear as fuel. Instead of letting it hold them back, they use it to push forward.

4. Courage Is Contagious

When you step up and do hard things, you inspire others to do the same. Your willingness to face challenges sets the tone for your team. Whether it’s navigating uncertainty, making bold decisions, or leading through change, your courage becomes the example others follow.

You Can Do Hard Things

So the next time you’re facing something hard, whether it’s leading a difficult conversation, making a tough call, or stepping into a bigger role—remember: You can do hard things. And on the other side of that fear? Confidence, strength, and leadership that inspires.