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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 97: Rappel

September 30, 2015

What's the challenge?

To rappel down from huge rocky cliffs.

What are you afraid of?

Trusting my life to the anchor system and something going wrong.

How was the experience?

For this challenge, I contacted Discover Outdoors, a company that does adventure trips in New York and asked them to take me on their next rappelling trip. I had no idea what to expect and how scared would I be. Once there, we started to hike our way up, but as if hiking wasn't enough, they made us climb our way up which was extremely challenging and a fear by itself! I thought I was not going to make it but after a lot of effort and concentration I made it to the top. The view up there was breathtaking. Mark, Dan and Lane (our amazing instructors) taught us the basics, and then in efforts to be even more fearless I volunteered to go first. That's when anxiety started to kick in really hard! So they hooked me to the system and with no time to think it twice they asked me to start walking backwards towards the edge of the mountain! I must admit I was kinda' freaking out at that point, and looking down didn't help at all. I had no choice but to trust the system and start rappelling down holding on to that rope like if I'm holding on to my life (and I was). The first part was the hardest. standing on the edge was uncomfortable and nerve-wracking but to tell you the truth, as I descended I started to secretly enjoy it and feel very safe. Once I touched the ground I was excited to do it again and again. So we did it in 4 different spots; they all had their own challenges but doable! I enjoyed every second and I would totally do this again! Thanks to Discover Outdoors for such wonderful experience!

← Day 98: AskDay 96: Age →

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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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😳➡️😬➡️🤔➡️😗➡️☺️➡️😍
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The first
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@nikkimiles_
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I&rsquo
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By @thepouf — genius!


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