How I Learned to Lean into Stress and Embrace Fear

One of the enduring goals of CrossFit Chiltern is to empower our members to go out and DO stuff with their fitness. We love seeing you tackle 5ks and marathons, Spartans and Strongman events, or even those “bucket list” things like skydiving. We can get you ready for any of it.

But let’s be honest, those things can be scary. Just ask me. Earlier this year I qualified for the Strength in Depth UK Championships in my age category, which was a huge thrill. But then I realised one of the workouts included an open water swim… and let’s just say, I’m more of a “doggy paddle in the shallow end” kind of swimmer. Panic set in.

So, how do you face the fear? How do you lean into the scary stuff, embrace the stress, and come out stronger on the other side? Here’s what I’ve learned (and am still learning) through CrossFit:

1. Fear = Excitement:

Your body doesn’t know the difference. The pounding heart, the sweaty palms – they’re the same whether you’re terrified or thrilled. Next time those pre-workout jitters hit, or in my case, the pre-open-water-swim dread, ask yourself, “Am I scared, or am I just excited?” Shifting your perspective can be a game-changer.

2. Anticipation is the Worst Part:

We’ve all been there, overthinking the worst-case scenarios before a big event. The cold water, the murky depths, the unknown creatures lurking below… But here’s the thing: waiting and worrying is always harder than actually doing it. So, why not skip the hard part? Embrace the challenge head-on and trust in your training.

3. Perspective is Everything:

A year from now, will you remember the anxiety you felt, or the triumph of overcoming the challenge? Life is a collection of moments, and the ones that stick with us are the ones where we pushed our limits.

Here at CrossFit Chiltern, we know that fear is part of the journey. We embrace it. We use it as fuel to push harder, lift heavier, and become better versions of ourselves.

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember: It’s not about being fearless. It’s about learning to lean into the fear, to embrace the unknown, and to discover the strength you never knew you had. And hey, if I can face my fear of open water, you can face yours too.