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In December 2023, I visited a close friend in Australia. The kind of friend where, no matter how much time has passed or how far apart you live from each other, it always feels like picking up right where you left off when you see each other.
Sitting on the beach, waves rolling in like a steady heartbeat, we caught up as time faded into the background.
We talked about our hopes for 2024. I told her, “I want to do something that scares me to my core but feels important."
Without missing a beat, we both blurted out, “Stand-up comedy!”at the same time. (Apparently, we’re both into self-inflicted torture.)
She laughed and said, “I knew you were going to say that. Yes, girl, f**k fear!”
And just like that, I decided 2024 would be the year I stopped letting fear call the shots.
That’s the thing about fear, it keeps us small. It convinces us that staying in our comfort 0 zone is safer than taking a risk.
But deep down, we know the truth: growth doesn’t happen in comfort.
Fear: The Universal Obstacle
If you’re like me, you know that voice—the one that whispers, “You’re not good enough.”
It’s the voice of fear, and for most of my life, I let it rule me. In high school, I dropped out of a creative writing course, convinced I couldn’t measure up.
I saw myself as the “quiet kid,” the one who didn’t deserve to take up space.
At university, I studied communications and video production but hesitated to pursue it seriously, doubting I had what it took to be a storyteller.
Fear robbed me of opportunities and silenced my creativity. What’s worse, I believed everyone else had it figured out—fearless and confident, gliding through life like it was
effortless.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned: fear is universal. It’s not a flaw unique to you or me; it’s rooted in our biology.
The amygdala, that ancient part of our brain, is wired to protect us from danger. In prehistoric times, this kept us alive.
But in modern life, fear often overreacts, treating growth and change as threats.
For years, I stood at the crossroads between a deep desire to connect with people through stories and an overwhelming fear of failure. I accepted the story that I wasn’t meant for it and it just wasn’t going to happen for me.
But, by the end of 2023, the drumbeat in my chest, insisting I was meant for more, was growing louder with every passing day.
Fear as a Compass
I started to question why this was my story—why fear held me back while others seemed to face it differently.
Many others felt that same fear, but they didn’t let it stop them. I wondered, could I do the same?
Spoiler alert: I could. And I discovered the secret that helped them move forward.
So, what is the secret, you ask? It’s all about reframing your mindset around fear. Instead of seeing fear as an obstacle, we have to start seeing it as a compass. Fear points to where growth lies.
It signals that something meaningful is on the other side.
This doesn’t mean fear disappears—it doesn’t. But when you reframe fear, it loses its power to hold you back. It becomes a guide, not a gatekeeper.
With this mindset, I signed up for a stand-up comedy class. Let me tell you—it was terrifying. Walking into that room for the very first time felt less like “standing up” to fear and more like tripping over it.
My hands shook, my voice cracked, and my heart raced
as I delivered my first joke. But I kept showing up.
Finding Purpose on the Stage
Stand-up comedy became more than just a hobby—it became my awakening.
It wasn’t just about making people laugh—it was about connection. Comedy is raw and vulnerable, a space where you share something real and human, creating a genuine
bond.
In those moments when I see the crowd nodding, laughing, or simply listening deeply, everything clicks. And I know this is where I belong. Stand-up didn’t just teach me to write jokes—it guided me to my true purpose, the one I had always ignored by listening
to fear.
Finally, I could hear my calling to tell stories that connect, inspire, and bring people closer.
Your Purpose Is Closer Than You Think
The truth is, your purpose isn’t some distant, abstract concept. It’s often hidden in plain sight, woven into your passions and experiences. It’s not only something that comes to you
naturally, but also lights you up, filling you with energy and excitement.
To find it, start by asking:
What activities make me lose track of time?
What would I do even if I weren’t paid for it?
What am I naturally drawn to?
For me, the answer was always storytelling. Whether it’s through comedy, writing, or conversation, I’ve always loved the power of stories to create connection.
Fear and Growth Go Hand in Hand
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth and fear are inseparable. Think about any major accomplishment in your life—wasn’t fear part of the process?
When I first stepped on stage, I was terrified of bombing. And guess what? I did bomb—several times. But each “failure” became a lesson. I learned which jokes landed, and which didn’t, and how to adjust on the fly.
That’s the beauty of facing your fears: the more you do it, the less power they have. You start to see failure as feedback, not as a verdict on your worth.
Lessons from Stand-Up Comedy
Stand-up comedy taught me more than just how to craft a joke—it gave me life lessons I’ll carry forever.
1. Confidence Comes from Action
I used to think confidence was something you had to have before you could take action. But it’s the opposite. Confidence comes from doing the thing that scares you, over and over again, until it feels normal.
2. Letting Go of Perfectionism
For years, I let perfectionism hold me back. It was my shield against rejection. If I didn’t try, I couldn’t fail, right? But comedy forced me to embrace imperfection. Even the best comedians bomb—it’s part of the process.
3. Connection Over Perfection
The best moments on stage weren’t when I delivered a perfectly polished joke—they were when I connected with the audience on a human level. That’s where the magic happens.
Finding Your Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to turn your passion into your purpose, here’s how to start:
Reflect On Your Passions
Think about what excites you. What lights you up inside? Your purpose often hides in the things you already love.
Identify Your Strengths
Purpose aligns with your natural talents. What do people compliment you on? What feels easy or intuitive to you?
Embrace Fear as a Guide
If something scares you, it’s probably worth pursuing. Fear is a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone—and that’s where growth happens.
Take Small Steps
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small. Take one step toward your passion today, no matter how tiny.
Seek Connection
Purpose often involves serving others. Ask yourself: How can I use my passions and strengths to make a meaningful impact?
The Power of Hobbies
Hobbies aren’t just a way to pass the time—they’re a window into your soul. They show you what you’re drawn to, what energises you, and what feels meaningful.
For me, stand-up comedy started as a hobby but quickly became something more. It showed me my capacity for courage, connection, and creativity.
Whatever your hobby is—painting, hiking, writing, cooking—don’t underestimate its importance. It could be the key to unlocking your purpose.
Why Wait?
Here’s the thing: “Someday” is a lie we tell ourselves to justify inaction. There’s no perfect time to start. The right moment is always now.
Looking back, I wish I hadn’t waited so long to take the leap. But every step I’ve taken—no matter how small—has brought me closer to the life I want.
In the words of Jack Canfield, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” So, my question to you is what will you start chasing today?
Take the Leap
The path to pursuing your passion won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Remember these key takeaways:
1. Follow What Lights You Up
If something pulls at your heart, it’s no accident—go after it, it’s meant for you. When something excites or energises you, it’s a sign that it matters and is guiding you toward your purpose.
These sparks of inspiration are not random—they’re your path to what’s truly meant for you.
2. Recognise and Reframe Fear
Recognise when fear is holding you back—awareness of fear-driven thoughts allows you to challenge limiting beliefs.
Growth and fear go hand in hand; overcoming fear is essential to achieving anything meaningful. Shift your perspective, turning fear from a roadblock into a stepping stone for growth.
3. Take Action, One Step at a Time
Finding your purpose doesn’t require having it all figured out upfront. It's about taking that first step, even if fear is trying to hold you back. Each small action builds momentum, bringing you closer to turning what excites you into a fulfilling
purpose.
So go ahead—take the leap. Your purpose is waiting.
HAPHE is a non-profit charity committed to trauma-induced depression prevention. You can learn more about our cause here. Want to get involved? Why not take part in our Short Film Project or Tell Your Story?
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