Go For The Facts, Take A Risk

I held a wild tarantula in my bare hands.

While the thought of it sent shivers, I took the opportunity to overcome a fear and expand.

As I booked the guided tour, I thought I’d just observe these amazing creatures and learn something - not touch one. But I started thinking about what I was afraid of...

Me holding a wild tarantula in Buellton, CA

So I researched the risks associated with a tarantula bite - and what I found was fascinating. First, tarantula venom is not lethal to humans. Second, the risk of getting bitten is extremely low since they have a limited volume of venom meant for injecting prey. Now that I had the facts, my fears lessened.

I also learned that when threatened, tarantulas release barbed hairs from their abdomen which can become lodged in the skin or eyes of a predator (yikes). On the tour, the guide explained what pose they strike when feeling threatened, so once again I was educated on the facts and felt empowered to make a decision based on logic.

Knowing the facts removed the possibility that I’d get bitten or barbed, so now it was a mental game. I crushed that mental game and felt the feels of empowerment and fear-conquering that I will take with me into the next life challenge.

For me, I’m always looking for the life lesson in small feats like this. I learned that educating myself and taking action on the facts - not feelings - enabled me to accept a challenge and grow. I wasn’t being run by the fear of the unknown, or my uneducated perception of something. I was run by a powerful sense that overcoming this would translate into overcoming other fears.

What risk could you take that will help you expand? Applying for that role you’re not sure you’re ready for? Starting that creative project you’ve been putting off? Go for it and see what happens!