Don’t Let Fear Keep You Small

“There is a penalty for being afraid. Fear suppresses talent, sure... but it also suppresses chances. The penalty of fear is living below what you knew you were capable of. Not trying. Stopping yourself. Don’t live suppressed. Go get what you want.” - Julie Gurner, PhD

Fear is sneaky. It disguises itself as practicality, whispers doubts in our ears, and convinces us to play small. It tells us it’s safer not to try, not to risk, not to grow. But here’s the truth: the cost of fear isn’t just missed opportunities—it’s living below our potential.

I’ve felt this fear firsthand. When I started my first practice, the weight of “what if I fail?” felt paralyzing. When I stood in front of a camera on Facebook Live for the first time, I was terrified of being judged. Even now, as I take on new challenges, fear still shows up, questioning whether I’m ready, capable, or enough.

I feel it in the weight of continuing The Retreat and taking it to new heights. I feel it in the responsibility of growing The Making Of group into an even stronger community. I feel it as Smile & Co. expands and challenges me to step into a bigger role as a leader. Each of these dreams comes with its own set of doubts and risks. But I know that if I let fear make the decisions, I’ll miss out on the chance to create something extraordinary.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned came from not stopping myself. From doing the hard things anyway. From trusting that my growth, my dreams, and my purpose are worth the discomfort.

This week, I want to challenge you to examine where fear might be suppressing your chances. What’s the one thing you’ve been holding back on? What’s the risk you’ve been avoiding because it’s safer to stay still?

You are capable of so much more than you realize. Don’t let fear rob you of the life you’re meant to live. Go get what you want.

With love,
Ashley Joves, DDS

P.S. What’s one thing you’re committing to in spite of fear? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to cheer you on!

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