Paralyzed by Purpose: Overcoming Fear & Playing Small
Have you ever been so afraid of success that you stall out?
You slow your momentum—not because you can’t do it—but because you’re scared to meet the moment.
Yeah... stop that.
Life is short. And when God gives you something to do, it’s your job to move. Quickly. Obediently.
That truth hits me often—especially when I think about my dad. I wish I could call him. It hits when I attend yet another family funeral. It hits when I see friends (or myself) navigating health issues that seemed impossible a decade ago.
These signs of life’s brevity should fuel momentum. But if I’m honest? They’ve pushed me into escapism lately.
Go listen to “Cranes in the Sky” by Solange.
That’s been me—doing everything but the work of finishing the launch plan for my book Purpose Day.
The Wake-Up Call
Then, a few divine nudges came through.
📌 I opened Substack and saw a new Well Noted post that read:
“Playing small is cancelled.”
📌 My niece reminded me that when we don’t act on the ideas God gives us, someone else might be called to bring them to life.
📌 And finally, I listened to Dr. Anita Phillips’ sermon “Stormy Weather” based on Matthew 8:24. It’s that moment when Jesus is asleep on the boat during the storm, and the disciples are panicking. Jesus wakes up and asks: “Why are you fearful, oh you of little faith?”
Thankfully the sum of these nudges shook me out of paralysis.
How to Move Through the Fear
If you’re feeling stuck—if fear has you paralyzed in the middle of something you’re meant to finish—here’s what’s been helping me:
Talk to people who speak life into you.
Not everyone can hold your vision. Seek those who do.Be intentional about what you consume.
Sermons, books, podcasts—feed your faith, not your fear.Denounce the fear.
Call it out. Then get back to work.
Your purpose is too important to be paused by fear.
So if you needed a sign to move forward—this is it.
Now... back to finishing the launch plan for my book.
— LaBrandon
