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100 Days Without Fear

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It all started with 100 fears.

Ten years ago, in April 2015, a Venezuelan girl (hi, it’s me!) landed in New York City with big dreams—and even bigger fears. While pursuing my Master’s in Branding at the School of Visual Arts, I challenged myself to confront 100 fears in 100 days.

What began as a personal project quickly turned into a global movement. My journey went viral, leading to a TEDx talk, a career as a keynote speaker on some of the world’s biggest stages, and a powerful reminder that courage is contagious.

Since then, I’ve published two books, launched a paid community for Latina entrepreneurs with thousands of members worldwide, and partnered with global brands to champion authenticity, bravery, and purpose. I also conducted a groundbreaking research study on the power of community in the workplace.

The project that started it all didn’t just help me overcome fear—it helped me become who I was meant to be.

It helped me become irreplaceable.

Featured
Day 100: Inspire others at TEDxHouston
Day 100: Inspire others at TEDxHouston
Day 96: Age
Day 96: Age
Day 89: Stand Up
Day 89: Stand Up
Day 85: Surf
Day 85: Surf
Day 80: Teach
Day 80: Teach
Day 78: Paint
Day 78: Paint
Day 77: Pose
Day 77: Pose
Day 72: Embrace
Day 72: Embrace
Day 65: Jump
Day 65: Jump
Day 59: Quit
Day 59: Quit

Click here to see the full list of fears

Day 76: Present

July 15, 2015

What's the challenge?

To present my thesis in front of a huge crowd.

What are you afraid of?

I'm afraid of screwing up, letting my teammates down, letting myself down.

How was the experience?

A year ago I moved to NYC to start my masters in Branding at SVA. I did everything in my power to get into this program of 29 people and I was determined to give my 100% everyday. I knew that in the last day of the program I had to present my thesis. I went last year to watch the previous class present and I was fine with that idea. On June 1st I started working with my thesis team on re-positioning McDonald's, a brand that has fallen out of pace with culture. For 6 weeks, we worked day and night on a plan to bring McDonald's back to the top and created an amazing presentation. The day arrived and my anxiety was eating me alive. I'm not very good at memorizing lines, but when English is not your first language you better learn word by word to make sure the vocabulary is right. I was more nervous than ever before, I only had one chance to get my presentation right and I wanted to make everyone proud, mostly myself. Out of the 76 fears I've faced so far, this was the scariest one. When I started presenting my heart was about to jump off my chest and my voice was a bit shaky at first. But then, I realized that it was up to me to own the stage and the moment. Words and thoughts started to align and I delivered my ideas the way I wanted to. I'm proud of myself and my teammates! I would totally do it all over again. Bye, bye school, thank you for the best year of my life so far.

Special thanks to my brother for filming and editing this once in a lifetime experience.

← Day 77: PoseDay 75: Coexist →

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Thank you!

Why Fear?

A couple of reasons I wrote just to remind myself why am I doing this:

  • Fear keeps me from enjoying life

  • Fear will keep me from achieving success

  • I want to live courageously

  • Life starts at the end of your comfort zone

  • What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

  • NYC is not made for the fearful

  • Fear just doesn't make sense

  • If I don't do it now, then, when?

Instagram: @100dayswithoutfear

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That is definitely something I never expected on my cover!! So my reaction when getting these was:
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😳➡️😬➡️🤔➡️😗➡️☺️➡️😍
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The first
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@nikkimiles_
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Enjoying this trip,
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View fullsize This is one of the lovely covers I received! ➡️ The first decision I had to make when it came to the design of my cover was: should I use my photo, or typography only?⁣ 👀
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View fullsize Friendly reminder ✌🏼⬆️
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By @thepouf — genius!


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