The Next Edit - Issue #34
Why we scare ourselves out of doing what we know we want to
🧠One Big Idea
Let’s talk about the quiet, polished, well-dressed version of fear.
Not the dramatic kind.
Not the “I’m terrified to jump out of a plane” kind.
I’m talking about the kind that sounds like:
“I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“Maybe I need one more certification.”
“It’s probably too late.”
“Who am I to do this?”
“I’ll start next month.”
What will people think?
That’s not logic.
That’s self-sabotage.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Most of us don’t sabotage because we’re lazy.
We sabotage because we’re scared.
Scared of:
Looking foolish
Losing status
Failing publicly
Outgrowing people
Succeeding and having to become someone new
Especially in this phase of life.
When you’ve built a reputation.
When people know you as “the CFO,” “the CEO,” “the Head of…”
When you’re supposed to have it figured out by now.
Trying something new at 58, 62, 67?
It can feel reckless.
But staying small?
That’s the real risk.
Self-sabotage in this stage often looks very respectable: I know, because I have done all of these - more than once.
Endless research
Over-planning
Waiting for certainty
Tweaking the website for the 14th time
Talking about the idea instead of launching it
What I learned is that: You don’t need more confidence.
You need more courage. And courage only shows up after you make a move.
🛠️Try This
Ask yourself:
What is something I want to do that quietly scares me?
What story am I telling myself about why I can’t?
What is the real risk?
What is the cost of not doing it?
Then shrink the move.
Not “launch the business.”
Not “write the book.”
Not “move across the country.”
Just:
Have the conversation.
Buy the domain.
Register the LLC.
Sign up for the class.
Publish the post.
Send the email.
Action dismantles fear faster than thinking ever will.
If you do nothing, something might happen, but it might happen to you, instead of for you.
💭Andrea’s List of Scary Things
Sharing this list 😊
Left a C-suite role without plan next job (I DON’T recommend this)
Started telling my story publicly
Tried and failed at quite a few hobbies (hello pottery)
Reached out to strangers whose work “spoke to me”.
Started building this community
None of it felt comfortable.
All of it felt like I had no choice if I wanted to move forward.
✂️The Final Edit
If you’re in this in-between place —
Not who you were
Not yet who you’re becoming
Fear will get louder.
That doesn’t mean you’re off track.
It usually means you’re growing.
The people I most admire in this phase are not fearless.
They’re willing.
Willing to look beginner again.
Willing to outgrow an old identity.
Willing to try.
So here’s the question for you:
What are you pretending you’re “not ready” for?
Maybe this is the week you stop negotiating with yourself and take a small action forward.
See you in “the next edit”
Andrea
The timing on this is perfect! Thank you!