We’ve just spent the last few days on a liveaboard boat in the Komodo Islands, Indonesia.

The Komodo National Park is absolutely stunning, but thanks to Instagram highlight reels, it’s no longer the hidden gem I imagined it to be.

While anchored and enjoying some downtime, I had an “aha” moment about how we face hard things and overcome fear.

My eldest daughter is very courageous—she climbed to the top deck of the boat and jumped off into the water below without a second thought. Meanwhile, my younger daughter, India, stood on the edge of the same deck, hesitating. She had jumped from higher places before, yet in this moment, she couldn’t bring herself to take the leap.

The longer she stood there, the more invested everyone on the boat became in encouraging her. But she was in her head, overthinking every possible scenario. We tried endless countdowns—3, 2, 1—James even offered to jump with her, and so did I. But it began to feel impossible for her. She grew frustrated and upset, and I was sure she was about to give up.

This is exactly what happens when something feels too big or overwhelming. We shift into the fear center of our brain, considering every potential threat, and it stops us from doing the brave things we want to do. It’s a survival response—our brain trying to protect us.

Fear is not the enemy—it’s a natural reaction, often signalling that something matters to us. When we fear something, it means we’re stepping out of our comfort zone, and this is where real growth happens. But the key is not letting fear have the final say.

Just as we were about to call it a day, my new Indonesian friend, Yana, suggested India jump from the lower deck. This was just a few meters above the water. It seemed almost too easy, but India was eager to try.

We moved to the lower deck, and India climbed up onto the edge. We counted down—3, 2, 1—and she jumped! Everyone on the boat clapped and cheered. She had taken the first step.

What happened next is what I call "breaking the fear barrier." India had taken a tiny step that felt safe to her brain. It wasn’t the original goal, but it was progress. Most importantly, she proved to herself that she could jump, even if it was a smaller jump.

She climbed out of the water with a beaming smile, ran past us, up the stairs to the higher deck, and without any countdown, stood on the edge and jumped, no hesitation this time.

She achieved her original goal by breaking it down and starting with the easiest first step.

Action builds confidence, and confidence builds results. Once we take that first small step, fear starts to lose its grip. Momentum builds bravery, and before we know it, the big, overwhelming goal doesn’t seem so impossible anymore.

Do you have something in your life that you’ve been wanting to achieve? An untapped dream, greater vulnerability or an unlived life waiting to begin?

Do you feel stuck or afraid to dive in?

Consider these simple steps:

• Start tiny. The primitive brain is motivated by ease.
• Break your goal or dream into chapters, rather than starting at the end.
• Know the ideal outcome, but begin like a beginner.
• Surround yourself with cheerleaders who support you along the way. The nervous system finds safety in connection.
• Recognise the cost of inaction. Staying stuck in fear feels safe, but what opportunities are you missing by staying where you are?

So, how could you start that hard thing? What’s the tiniest first step you could take today to begin building your momentum?