Doing something you're afraid of can actually build your confidence and make you stronger. I've always been fascinated with animals, but once I feared them – especially the slimy, creepy crawly ones that could bite or sting me, or the gigantic ones that could crush me. I'm not much of an adventurer but I am a dabbler when it comes to trying new things. In order to overcome my fear I only had to check that thing off my list once.

I decided not to allow my fear to control me, instead I faced my fears and tried touching snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlers. I've gotten up close and personal with elephants, camels, and giraffes and realized they aren't as scary as I had imagined. These experiences taught me not to fear these animals, just to be cautious and mindful around them. My confidence was boosted because I no longer allowed my fear to prevent me from experiencing life.

In order to maximize your fear you must first get clear on what type of person you are. Here are three personality types and how to use fear to boost your confidence:

The Adventurer

If going on adventures is totally your thing, then doing something you’re afraid of can make the experiences you’re doing even more exciting and incredible. This will absolutely build your confidence because once complete you’ll be know for taking risks, challenging yourself, and taking action.

If you did it once you can do it again, and soon you become confident in this thought. Facing your fear confirms this even more and builds your confidence. Not to mention, you might realize there was nothing to be afraid of after all so you can do something even scarier the next time.

The Sampler/Dabbler

If you’re the type of person who likes to try new things, not necessarily dangerous or super adventurous things like cliff diving, but things in your everyday life, then doing something you’re afraid of can boost your confidence. It's one more thing you can check off your list.

Try eating chocolate covered crickets, or touching a tarantula. You might never do it again but at least you know you can, which makes the next scary thing totally doable – not to mention a GREAT story. Confidence built!

The Growth Mindset

If you’re on a journey of discovery or looking to step out of your comfort zone, doing something you’re afraid of can absolutely boost your confidence!

Motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, has his attendees of Unleash the Power Within walk on red hot coals. I’ve done it myself. Was I afraid? Absolutely! Getting third degree burns on my bare feet, when I love strutting around in high heels, did NOT sound like a fun thing to attempt! However, after I faced my fear and stepped across those coals I was invigorated! I had accomplished something I never thought possible. If I could walk across blazing hot coals with bare naked feet I could do anything!

Facing your fears works wonders when you’re in the mindset to grow. Accept the challenge, step out of your comfort zone, and build your confidence! You've got this.