I’m on a mission to raise $20,000 to build a school in Laos, a small country located in the heart of Southeast Asia. I’ve thought about raising this money for a long time, but I found myself constantly questioning my goal and myself - Can I do this? How will I raise all that money? Will people really care? What if I fail?

I just recently got the push I needed to start- to affirmatively say, “This school is my promise. This school is my mission. I will raise $20,000 to build it, no matter what it takes.”

As I began my effort to raise the money, I also began facing some of the toughest conversations I have with myself: that people will feel pressured to support my effort with a donation; that I won’t be able to effectively connect people with my mission to build this school; and of course, the fear that I’ll stumble, fall, and fail.

But at the end of the day, here’s what I know for sure- that if I don’t get out of my own way, there’s a school on the other side of the world that will never be built. There are kids who deserve it but will never have the opportunity to receive an education- simply because I was too afraid of being judged or being perceived as pushy or aggressively persistent.

Often, our fears stand in the way of our greatness- as well as our ability to inspire others to be their greatest, too. But if we always stop when we experience fear, anger, uncertainty, or rejection, we’ll never get to create the life we really want.

The most successful people- those who truly create change and shape the world in a positive way- are not accomplished because they never experience confusion, challenge or pain. 

Rather, change agents are those who have mastered the art of overcoming their own limiting conversationsbecause they are so connected to a bigger vision of how the world could be- of all the beautiful things that could be created simply by having the guts to do what others deem impossible.

Whatever it is you want most in your life- whether it be: career success, starting a new business, creating beautiful relationships with friends and family, finding love, going back to school, or building a school…none of it happens without embracing and managing personal fear.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. If you feel uncomfortable, that’s when you know you are growing. SO KEEP GOING.

To learn more about my campaign to raise $20,000 to build a school in Laos, please visit my fundraising page.