About this quote

The line points to a simple fact: fear often grows where we sense real possibility. When an idea terrifies you, it can mean you actually see how far you could go. Do one small thing that nudges your limits and watch how your confidence changes. Who would you become if you stopped using fear as an excuse?

When to use it

• Before my promotion meeting at work I tell myself the line about rattling the stars so I stop shrinking back and actually ask for the new role.
• Filling out my application for the PhD program, I pull up that passage and remind myself to hit submit instead of talking myself out of it.
• The night before tryouts for the varsity team I whisper the quote in the locker room to quiet the part of me that wants to stay on the bench.
• When I finally decide to file the paperwork to start my small business, I repeat the words to steady my hands and set the launch date.