I'm cooking new things in my world about which I feel excited and energised. However, I also feel shaky and sometimes downright scared at the same time! What me? Ooooh yes! What if I mess up? What if people don't like what I do? Or even... what if I succeed??? No, not that! What will I do then???

And once upon a time those feelings would have deterred me. Once upon a time I would have, and indeed did, create excuses for not doing what I wanted to do because I was so frightened by the prospect of doing it. I sometimes even used my ex-husband as an excuse because, for sure, he disapproved of many of the things I already did. Hence the 'ex'!

Anyhow, at first I would beat myself up for making excuses and not having the courage to take opportunities. Then I began to be more compassionate with myself. I realised I needed a new take on what 'shaky and sometimes downright scared' meant.

And my new point of view? I suddenly realised that every time you challenge yourself, every time you go for the stretch or raise the bar, of course it's going to be scary. How could it not be?!

There you are stepping into unchartered waters and, like the first day at kindergarten or primary school, taking the plunge gives you the collywobbles. You wouldn't be human if it didn't.

And being human is not an excuse for not challenging yourself to be more of who you can be!!! To joggle my quote a bit... if you have the desire, passion and enthusiasm to do something, nothing in the world will stop you... EXCEPT YOU!

What are a few sleepless nights? What's a bit of anxiety whether about failure or success... or even both? And in my case, what are a few 'bag lady' fears? If the choice is do or not do and the 'do' is part of your purpose, passion and power, GO DO IT... even if you wet yourself in the process!

More easily said than done? I don't think so. Here are some essential tips to help you on your way.

***#1 Remember... the thing that you want to do has importance for you.*** You don't get scared by doing same old same old, do you? So tell yourself your fears are your friends. They're telling you how very much what you want to do matters to you.

***#2 Take time to picture what your life will be like when you've achieved what you want to do.*** See yourself in your picture and notice how great you look, sound and feel and how other people respond so positively to you.... and give out a loud 'victory' call. Yaaaaay!!!

***#3 Record your picture in any way you want...*** writing, drawing, painting, music, a collage. Refer to your record any time you get scared and remind yourself of your delicious life ahead and how very goooood you're going to feel.

***#4 Confide only in friends who will love, support and encourage you on your journey.*** Some people are only happy for you to slip on banana skins. Avoid them like the plague!

#5 And whether your self-challenge is decorating a room, taking a course, learning to swim, starting a company, climbing Mount Everest or running a charity stall... When you've actually raised your bar ***CELEBRATE big time!*** In fact, celebrate each and every new step you take along the way!

With 30 years' expertise in personal & professional development, Sharon Eden MA is a Certified Coach, Registered & Accredited Psychotherapist & NLP trainer, and founder of Women of Courage. Take just 20 seconds to sign up for her Ezine rich with tips & techniques to boost your purpose, passion & power AND get her '5 Day Energiser Plan' absolutely free. Sign up now at: http://www.womenofcourage.co.uk.