Bravery Digest #10

The Two-Fear Test: How to Know If Fear Means Stop or Start

By Sam Penny – Coach for the Brave

---

Fear is often misunderstood.

We treat it as a stop sign, a reason to delay, avoid, or back away.

But the truth is:

Not all fear means stop. Some fear means start.

When you're standing at the edge of a decision, you need to know the difference, fast.

That’s why I use what I call The Two-Fear Test.

---

What Is the Two-Fear Test?

It’s a quick self-check that helps you tell if the fear you're feeling is a red flag or a green light in disguise.

Ask yourself:

Is this fear protecting me… or expanding me?

---

Fear That Protects

This is the “pay attention” kind of fear. It shows up when:

• You’re about to say yes to something misaligned
• You’re ignoring your values
• You’re entering chaos, not challenge

This fear deserves respect.
It’s your integrity speaking up.

Listen to it.

---

Fear That Expands

This fear shows up when you’re doing something that matters:

• You’re launching
• You’re being seen
• You’re stepping into a bigger room
• You’re risking rejection, not destruction

This fear is friction for growth.
It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also the signal you’re evolving.

Lean into it.

---

Why This Matters

If you treat all fear as a no, you’ll miss your best yeses.

The bravest leaders aren’t fearless.
They’re fluent in fear, and they know which voice to follow.

---

Use It Today

Pick a decision you’ve been delaying.

Ask:

Is this fear protecting me… or expanding me?

Then move accordingly.

One response fuels survival.
The other fuels transformation.

---

Let’s stop reacting to fear like amateurs.
Let’s start interpreting it like leaders.

---

Sam Penny
Coach for the Brave

---

Coming Next:

In Bravery Digest #11, I’ll introduce The Bravery Streak, a daily habit that builds courage on autopilot. Not motivational. Just mechanical.