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Do It Scared

Do It Scared

Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Adversity, and Create a Life You Love
by Ruth Soukup 2019 240 pages
3.88
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Key Takeaways

1. Identify Your Fear Archetype to Overcome Obstacles

The seven fear patterns—seven distinct ways fear plays out in our lives, specifically in the way it impacts our willingness to step outside of our comfort zones to pursue a dream or opportunity.

Understanding your fear archetype is crucial for overcoming obstacles and pursuing your dreams. The seven fear archetypes are:

  1. The Procrastinator: Fears making mistakes
  2. The Rule Follower: Fears breaking rules or authority
  3. The People Pleaser: Fears judgment and letting others down
  4. The Outcast: Fears rejection and trusting others
  5. The Self-Doubter: Fears not being capable or good enough
  6. The Excuse Maker: Fears taking responsibility
  7. The Pessimist: Fears adversity and pain

By identifying your dominant fear archetype, you can develop targeted strategies to overcome your specific fears and move forward. Each archetype has both positive and negative traits, and understanding these can help you leverage your strengths while addressing your weaknesses.

2. Set Stretch Goals to Ignite Motivation and Growth

We need big goals in our lives!

Stretch goals are essential for personal and professional growth. They provide:

  • Motivation to push beyond your comfort zone
  • A clear direction and purpose
  • Excitement and energy to tackle challenges

To set effective stretch goals:

  1. Allow yourself to dream big without self-editing
  2. Narrow your focus to the most exciting and meaningful goals
  3. Commit fully to your chosen goal, making it a top priority

Remember, the flutter in your stomach when thinking about your goal is a sign of good fear – the kind that propels you forward and helps you achieve great things.

3. Challenge Conventional Wisdom and Think for Yourself

Rules are for suckers.

Question authority and norms to forge your own path and make informed decisions. This involves:

  • Developing healthy skepticism towards established rules and practices
  • Using common sense and critical thinking to evaluate information
  • Daring to think outside the box and challenge the status quo

By questioning authority and thinking for yourself, you can:

  • Uncover innovative solutions to problems
  • Avoid blindly following harmful or outdated practices
  • Develop a stronger sense of personal identity and purpose

Remember, not all rules are bad, but it's essential to understand the reasoning behind them and be willing to challenge those that don't serve a valuable purpose.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Choices and Actions

The only thing you can control is you.

Embrace complete ownership of your life and decisions. This means:

  • Refusing to play the victim card or blame others for your circumstances
  • Recognizing that you have control over your responses, even in difficult situations
  • Taking action to change your circumstances rather than waiting for rescue

Benefits of taking responsibility:

  • Increased sense of personal power and control
  • Greater resilience in the face of adversity
  • Improved problem-solving skills and adaptability

By adopting an internal locus of control – believing that you are in charge of your life outcomes – you become more motivated, productive, and successful in achieving your goals.

5. Embrace Constructive Feedback and Accountability

Everyone needs accountability.

Seek honest feedback and create accountability systems to grow and improve. This involves:

  • Building relationships based on trust and vulnerability
  • Actively seeking out constructive criticism and different perspectives
  • Creating or joining accountability groups or partnerships

Strategies for fostering accountability:

  1. Find trustworthy accountability partners or mentors
  2. Set clear goals and share them with your accountability network
  3. Establish regular check-ins and progress reviews
  4. Be open to tough conversations and push-back

Remember, embracing accountability requires courage and humility, but it's essential for personal and professional growth.

6. Reframe Mistakes as Valuable Learning Opportunities

There are no mistakes, only lessons.

Adopt a growth mindset by viewing failures and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. This approach helps you:

  • Overcome the fear of making mistakes
  • Develop resilience and perseverance
  • Gain valuable insights and experience

To reframe mistakes positively:

  1. Analyze what went wrong and why
  2. Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement
  3. Apply these insights to future endeavors
  4. Celebrate the courage it took to try something new

Remember, the pain of regret from not trying is often worse than the temporary discomfort of making a mistake.

7. Focus on Purpose Over Perfect Balance

We're not called to balance; we're called to purpose.

Prioritize purpose and impact over achieving perfect balance in all areas of life. This means:

  • Recognizing that seasons of imbalance are normal and often necessary for growth
  • Allowing yourself to become obsessed with meaningful goals
  • Making intentional choices about where to focus your time and energy

Benefits of focusing on purpose:

  • Greater sense of fulfillment and motivation
  • Increased productivity and impact in areas that matter most
  • Reduced guilt about not achieving perfect balance

Remember to communicate your priorities with loved ones and create systems to ensure you're still meeting essential responsibilities while pursuing your purpose.

8. Cultivate Grit and Persistence to Achieve Your Goals

Nothing in the world will ever take the place of persistence.

Develop unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Grit involves:

  • Passion for your objectives
  • Perseverance in the face of challenges
  • Willingness to work hard over extended periods

Strategies for building grit:

  1. Set clear, meaningful long-term goals
  2. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps
  3. Celebrate small wins along the way
  4. Learn from setbacks and adjust your approach
  5. Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals

Remember, success often comes from consistent effort over time rather than innate talent or luck.

9. Create a Detailed Action Plan to Reach Your Targets

A goal without a plan is just a dream.

Develop a comprehensive roadmap to turn your big goals into reality. This involves:

  • Breaking down large goals into smaller, actionable steps
  • Creating timelines and deadlines for each milestone
  • Prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency

Key components of an effective action plan:

  1. Yearly goals and objectives
  2. Monthly targets and focus areas
  3. Weekly priorities and task lists
  4. Daily to-do items and schedules

Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific periods for your most important tasks, and remember to build in buffer time for unexpected challenges or opportunities.

10. Surround Yourself with Supportive, Truth-Telling Allies

Everyone needs true accountability.

Build a network of allies who will support your growth and hold you accountable. This "Truth Club" should:

  • Provide honest feedback and constructive criticism
  • Encourage you to pursue your goals and dreams
  • Challenge your limiting beliefs and push you out of your comfort zone

Steps to create your Truth Club:

  1. Identify individuals who share your values and growth mindset
  2. Foster deep, authentic relationships based on trust and vulnerability
  3. Establish regular check-ins and communication channels
  4. Be willing to give and receive honest feedback

Remember, the people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your success and personal growth.

11. Avoid the Comparison Trap and Stay True to Your Path

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Focus on your unique journey rather than comparing yourself to others. This means:

  • Defining success on your own terms
  • Recognizing that everyone's path is different
  • Celebrating your progress and achievements

Strategies to avoid the comparison trap:

  1. Clarify your personal goals and values
  2. Limit exposure to social media and other comparison triggers
  3. Practice gratitude for what you have and how far you've come
  4. Use others' success as inspiration rather than a source of envy

Remember, the only person you should compare yourself to is who you were yesterday.

12. Eliminate Excuses and Push Through Challenges

I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.

Adopt a no-excuses mentality to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. This involves:

  • Taking full responsibility for your circumstances and actions
  • Refusing to let your background or past experiences limit your potential
  • Pushing through discomfort and challenges to reach your objectives

Benefits of eliminating excuses:

  • Increased resilience and problem-solving skills
  • Greater sense of personal empowerment
  • Improved ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals

Remember, while you can't control everything that happens to you, you can always control your response and the effort you put into overcoming challenges.

Last updated:

FAQ

What is "Do It Scared" by Ruth Soukup about?

  • Facing and Understanding Fear: The book explores how fear holds people back from achieving their goals and living a fulfilling life, especially focusing on women.
  • Seven Fear Archetypes: Soukup introduces seven distinct fear archetypes, each representing a unique way fear manifests and impacts decision-making.
  • Principles of Courage: The book provides actionable principles and strategies to help readers overcome their fears and take courageous action.
  • Practical Tools and Stories: Through personal stories, research, and practical exercises, Soukup guides readers to identify their fears and move forward despite them.

Why should I read "Do It Scared" by Ruth Soukup?

  • Personal Growth: The book offers a roadmap for overcoming fear, which is often the main obstacle to personal and professional growth.
  • Actionable Advice: Readers receive practical steps, not just theory, to help them break free from fear and start achieving their dreams.
  • Relatable Stories: Soukup shares her own struggles and those of others, making the content accessible and encouraging.
  • Empowerment: The book is designed to empower readers to take control of their lives, make bold decisions, and create a life they love.

What are the key takeaways from "Do It Scared" by Ruth Soukup?

  • Everyone Experiences Fear: Fear is universal, but it manifests differently for each person.
  • Identify Your Fear Archetype: Understanding your dominant fear archetype is crucial to overcoming it.
  • Adopt Principles of Courage: Shifting your mindset and embracing courage is essential for progress.
  • Action is Essential: Taking consistent, imperfect action is the antidote to fear and the path to achieving goals.

What are the seven Fear Archetypes in "Do It Scared" and how do they affect people?

  • The Procrastinator (Perfectionist): Fears making mistakes, leading to over-planning and difficulty starting or finishing tasks.
  • The Rule Follower: Fears breaking rules or authority, often avoiding risks or new opportunities.
  • The People Pleaser: Fears judgment and letting others down, resulting in difficulty setting boundaries and prioritizing personal goals.
  • The Outcast: Fears rejection, often pushing others away or acting independently to avoid being hurt.
  • The Self-Doubter: Fears not being capable or good enough, leading to insecurity, jealousy, and reluctance to try new things.
  • The Excuse Maker: Fears taking responsibility, often shifting blame and avoiding accountability.
  • The Pessimist: Fears adversity, feeling like a victim of circumstances and struggling to move past hardships.

How can I identify my dominant Fear Archetype according to Ruth Soukup's method?

  • Take the Fear Assessment: Soukup offers an online assessment at doitscared.com/assessment to help pinpoint your primary archetype.
  • Reflect on Behaviors: The book provides detailed descriptions, habits, and thought patterns for each archetype to help you self-identify.
  • Recognize Patterns: Notice which fears most often hold you back—mistakes, authority, judgment, rejection, inadequacy, responsibility, or adversity.
  • Understand Archetype Fluidity: Your dominant archetype can change with life circumstances, and you may have traits from multiple archetypes.

What are the Principles of Courage in "Do It Scared" and how do they help overcome fear?

  • Dare to Think Big: Set stretch goals that motivate and challenge you beyond your comfort zone.
  • Rules Are for Suckers: Question authority and conventional wisdom; trust your own judgment.
  • Always Own It: Take full responsibility for your choices and responses, refusing to play the victim.
  • Embrace Honest Feedback: Seek accountability and be open to constructive criticism.
  • There Are No Mistakes, Only Lessons: Reframe failures as learning opportunities to avoid regret.
  • Balance Is Overrated: Focus on purpose and priorities rather than striving for perfect balance.
  • Just Keep Going: Persistence and grit are more important than talent or luck in achieving success.

What practical strategies does Ruth Soukup recommend for overcoming each Fear Archetype?

  • Reframe Your Mindset: Change the internal script that fuels your specific fear (e.g., see mistakes as lessons, not failures).
  • Take Action: Set deadlines, practice saying no, or deliberately step outside your comfort zone, depending on your archetype.
  • Create Accountability: Find partners or mentors with different strengths to challenge and support you.
  • Start Small: Begin with manageable steps to build confidence and gradually tackle bigger fears.

How does Ruth Soukup suggest setting and achieving big goals in "Do It Scared"?

  • Claim Your Target: Get clear on what you want by dreaming big and narrowing your focus to one main goal.
  • Find Your Why: Connect your goal to a deeper purpose or motivation that is bigger than your fear.
  • Create an Action Plan: Break down your big goal into smaller, actionable steps and schedule them.
  • Commit and Persist: Fully commit to your goal, track progress, and keep going even when it gets tough.

What role does accountability play in the "Do It Scared" method?

  • Essential for Growth: Honest feedback and accountability prevent self-delusion and complacency.
  • Truth Club Concept: Soukup encourages forming a "Truth Club"—a group of trusted individuals who provide support and challenge you.
  • Constructive Conflict: Embracing differing opinions and feedback leads to better decisions and personal development.
  • Regular Check-Ins: Consistent accountability helps maintain focus and motivation on your goals.

How does "Do It Scared" by Ruth Soukup address the issue of comparison and excuses?

  • Stop Comparing: Focus on your own journey and definition of success, not someone else’s path.
  • Eliminate Excuses: Recognize that even good excuses are still excuses; take ownership of your actions and outcomes.
  • Practice Gratitude: Cultivate contentment by appreciating your progress and circumstances.
  • Seek Role Models, Not Rescuers: Look for inspiration and guidance, but don’t wait for someone else to save you.

What are some of the most impactful quotes from "Do It Scared" and what do they mean?

  • "Action is the antidote to fear." – Taking steps, even small ones, is the best way to overcome fear.
  • "There are no mistakes, only lessons." – Failure is not the end; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.
  • "If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time." – Without clear goals, you won’t make meaningful progress.
  • "Balance is overrated. If everything is important, nothing is." – Prioritize what matters most instead of trying to do it all.
  • "You get to be the hero of your story." – Take responsibility for your life and choices, rather than waiting for rescue.

What additional resources and tools does Ruth Soukup provide to support readers of "Do It Scared"?

  • Online Fear Assessment: A free tool at doitscared.com/assessment to identify your fear archetype.
  • Worksheets and Resources: Downloadable materials at doitscared.com to help apply the book’s lessons.
  • Do It Scared Podcast: Weekly inspiration and encouragement to reinforce the book’s messages.
  • Community Support: Access to online groups and communities for accountability and shared growth.

Review Summary

3.88 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Do It Scared explores fear archetypes and strategies to overcome them. Readers found the fear assessment insightful, but opinions varied on the book's overall value. Some praised its motivational content and practical advice, while others felt it was cliché or overly focused on the author's products. The book resonated particularly well with women and entrepreneurs. Critics noted issues with privilege and religious undertones. Despite mixed reviews, many readers found the book helpful in identifying and confronting their fears to achieve personal goals.

Your rating:
4.45
23 ratings

About the Author

Ruth Soukup is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping people overcome obstacles and create lives they love. She reaches a large audience through her Do It Scared® podcast and Ruth Soukup Weekly newsletter. Soukup has founded several brands, including Living Well Planner® and Elite Blog Academy®, and authored six bestselling books. Her practical advice has been featured in various media outlets. Soukup's work focuses on providing guidance for pursuing dreams and achieving goals. She lives in Florida with her husband and two daughters, maintaining an active online presence through her website and newsletter.

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