How to Turn Stress and Fear Into Confidence (and Actually Enjoy the Ride)

Ever notice how, as we get older, life feels like it’s just busy? Kids, work, a million commitments—and somewhere in there, we’re supposed to find time for ourselves and still have a little fun. For many of us, the idea of doing something new (or scary!)—like running your first 5k, lifting heavy in the gym, or even joining a new fitness class—can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: what if stress and fear weren’t things to avoid… but things we could actually use to help us feel stronger, more confident, and more alive?

Here’s what I’ve learned about leaning into the scary stuff—and why it’s actually the key to feeling like you belong, instead of battling that “imposter syndrome” voice in your head.

1. Your body doesn’t know the difference between fear and excitement

Ever had your heart race before something big—a race, a presentation at work, or even your first gym session—and thought, Oh no, I’m panicking?

Truth is, your body reacts the same way when you’re excited. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat, your stomach flips. Most of us default to thinking we’re scared, because as adults, we don’t get many moments of pure excitement anymore (when was the last time you felt like a kid on Christmas morning?).

Next time those nerves kick in, pause and ask yourself: Am I actually scared? Or just excited because I’m about to do something new?

Flipping that thought can completely change how you feel. Suddenly, the nerves don’t feel like a wall—they feel like energy you can use.

2. Anticipation is always worse than the thing itself

Think about it: how many times have you worked yourself up about something—only to get through it and realise it wasn’t half as bad as you imagined?

Whether it’s your first group workout, standing at the start line of a fun run, or showing up for a weightlifting session, the waiting and overthinking are often the hardest parts. We replay every “what if” in our heads and exhaust ourselves before we’ve even started.

Here’s the trick: when you can, start before your brain has time to talk you out of it. Walk into the gym. Sign up for the thing. Pick up the barbell. Because once you’re moving, your body takes over, and that fear starts to fade.

3. Ask: “What’s the worst that could actually happen?”

This is a simple but powerful one and goes hand in hand with letting imagination heighten your anticipation.

Whenever you’re nervous about doing something—joining a class, lifting a weight you’ve never tried, signing up for a fun run—ask yourself: What’s the worst thing that could actually happen if I do this?

Most of the time, the “worst thing” you can think of isn’t nearly as bad as it feels in your head. Maybe you don’t finish the workout. Maybe you feel a little awkward meeting new people. Maybe you’re a bit sore the next day.

But you know what? You survive it, you grow from it, and often, you come out the other side wondering why you ever built it up to be such a big deal.

This question can shrink a mountain into a speed bump—and make it easier to take that first step.

4. Will this even matter a year from now?

This is one of my favourite ways to keep things in perspective. Ask yourself: In 12 months, will I even remember this?

If the answer is no—why waste energy stressing over it?
If the answer is yes—it’s probably something worth doing, because it’ll be part of the story you tell about yourself later.

And isn’t that what life is really about? Creating those moments that make us feel alive—whether it’s finally hitting that pull-up, finishing a 10k, or simply proving to yourself you can do something you once thought was impossible.

Here’s the truth:

Life doesn’t slow down for us to “find confidence” first. Confidence comes after you step into those moments, not before. And you don’t have to do it alone—we help teens, twenty somethings, mums and dads, and older legends in Cairns (just like you) build the strength, fitness, and community they need to feel confident, capable, and like they truly belong.

If you’re ready to ditch the nerves and feel like yourself again (without the imposter syndrome), click here to contact us and let’s help you find your groove.

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I'm also giving away some of my expertise and experience in this area in this eBook 'Training for Mental Toughness'. Have a read and then hit me up with any questions you have via the contact form above.

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Coach G

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