If you follow my blog, you’ll know that I’ve spent the past 2.5 years travelling solo around the world, exploring over 30 countries and 6 continents. You might think that after doing something like that, fear doesn’t really factor into my life anymore. And in many ways, that’s true. I’ve faced plenty of uncomfortable situations—landing in foreign countries alone, navigating languages I don’t speak, pushing myself to connect with new people and let’s not forget the challenge of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro! But recently, I came face-to-face with a fear I hadn’t expected: learning how to ride a scooter in Bali. It was an unexpected reminder of what it truly means to face your fears.
Facing a New Kind of Fear
I’m no stranger to pushing myself, but this one caught me off guard. Bali is a place I adore, and I’ve been here multiple times. The island’s charm, the friendly locals, the wellness culture, the incredible food—I feel right at home. But if you’ve ever been here, you’ll know that scooters are the way to get around. Everyone rides one, from school kids to people transporting their entire family (plus a few chickens). And if you want to explore beyond the main tourist spots, it’s almost a necessity.
But despite my love for trying new things, I couldn’t shake the anxiety at the thought of getting on one. I watched people zipping around effortlessly, but all I could think about was the lack of control, the chance of falling, or worse—getting hurt. The irony? I help women face their fears all the time in my coaching work, especially around public speaking. Yet, here I was, paralysed by a fear that seemed trivial to so many others.
Public Speaking and the Unexpected Return of Fear
It took me back to those early days when I struggled with my own fear of public speaking. The sweaty palms, the shaky voice, the racing thoughts convincing me that I wasn’t good enough to stand in front of a room. I’ve written extensively about that journey, and now I coach women who are in the same boat. But in reality, I haven’t had to face my fears like that for a while—until now.
Learning to ride a scooter reminded me that fear doesn’t just disappear. It can show up when you least expect it, even after years of feeling like you’ve conquered it. And just like with public speaking, it’s so easy to let that fear convince you to stay small, stay safe, stay comfortable. But if you truly want to grow, you have to face your fears head on. Because comfort zones are not where the magic happens.
The Wobbly First Ride
So there I was, in the sticky heat of Bali, standing next to a shiny new scooter, helmet on, heart racing. My instructor gave me a quick rundown, but all I could focus on was how nervous I felt. The first time I twisted the throttle, I nearly toppled over. I felt ridiculous—how could something so simple feel so terrifying?
As I wobbled through my first attempts, I kept thinking back to something I once read: the idea that the first 20 hours of learning any new skill are always the hardest. Josh Kaufman, in his book The First 20 Hours, explains that if you can just push through those initial hours of uncertainty and discomfort, you’ll reach a point where things start to click.
It’s a lot like public speaking. The first few times you step on stage, your voice shakes, your hands tremble, and your mind races. But the more you do it, the easier it gets. You have to face your fears repeatedly, and each time, you get a little bit braver, a little bit more confident. I reminded myself of this as I struggled with that scooter. If I could just get through these first 20 hours, let’s see what happens.
What Facing My Fears Taught Me
But here’s the thing: I didn’t quit. I kept going, even though my heart was in my throat. And slowly, it got easier. By the end of the first week, I felt much more comfortable and then after a fortnight I was riding my scooter through rice fields and down coastal roads with the wind in my hair, grinning like a kid.
This experience reminded me of something I see so often with the women I coach: We can get so used to staying in our comfort zones that we forget the thrill of stepping out of them. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it’s scary. But it’s also where growth happens. To truly face your fears, it’s not about eliminating them; it’s about learning to move through them. If I had let my fear stop me, I would have missed out on so many beautiful experiences here in Bali.
Why the First 20 Hours Matter
Reflecting on my journey with public speaking, I remembered Malcolm Gladwell’s popular “10,000-hour rule” from Outliers, which suggests that mastering a skill takes thousands of hours of practice. But, you don’t need 10,000 hours to make significant progress. The first 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice can get you to a place where you feel competent—and that’s often all you need to gain the confidence to keep going.
That’s the magic of those initial hours. They’re tough, awkward, and full of self-doubt. But once you break through them, you start to realise that you’re more capable than you thought. Facing your fears is like exercising a muscle—the more you do it, the stronger you become.
What Does This Mean for You?
So, why am I sharing this story? Because I know how easy it is to let fear hold you back. Maybe for you, it’s not about riding a scooter. Maybe it’s the fear of speaking up in a meeting, or giving that big presentation, or simply voicing your ideas. It’s so easy to stay quiet, stay small, and convince yourself that it’s safer not to try.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned—whether it’s through public speaking or riding a scooter—it’s that fear only has as much power as you give it. The real growth happens when you push through that discomfort, even if you’re shaking while you do it.
Face Your Fears: A Challenge for You
So here’s my challenge to you: What’s one small step you can take this week to push yourself out of your comfort zone? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; maybe it’s volunteering to speak up in your next meeting or sharing an idea you’ve been sitting on. Whatever it is, take that first step.
Because on the other side of fear, there’s freedom.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re curious about mastering new skills, explore these insightful resources:
“The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything” by Josh Kaufman — watch Kaufman’s TED Talk to discover how to push through those challenging first hours of learning something new.
“10,000 Hours: How Experts Practice Better Than the Rest” by James Clear — a deep dive into how deliberate practice sets experts apart from the author of Atomic Habits.
“Is It Time to Leave Your Comfort Zone?” by Harvard Business school – an exploration of how leaving your comfort zone can spark positive change.
Want to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills?
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