Scary but Worth It: How Facing Fears Builds Confidence and Joy
Halloween is all about spooky fun — haunted houses, scary movies, things that go bump in the night. But beyond the costumes and candy, this season also has something to teach us about life itself: fear isn’t always the enemy. Sometimes, it’s an invitation.
Facing fears can actually increase happiness. It might sound strange, but stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to boost confidence, build resilience, and experience a deeper kind of joy.
Why Fear Has Power Over Us
Fear gets a bad reputation, but it’s really just your brain trying to protect you. When we feel fear, it’s a sign that something matters, that we’re on the edge of growth or vulnerability. Whether it’s giving a presentation, starting a new job, or even attending a social event alone, fear shows up whenever we’re doing something uncertain or unfamiliar.
The problem comes when we let fear make our decisions. Avoiding what scares us might feel safe in the moment, but it also keeps us stuck. Each time we choose safety over growth, our world gets a little smaller.
The Confidence Loop
Here’s the good news: facing your fears has the opposite effect. When you push through something scary, you prove to yourself that you can handle it. That success builds confidence, and confidence makes it easier to take on the next challenge.
Think of it like a “confidence loop”:
You face a fear.
You survive it (and often, it’s not as bad as you imagined).
You gain self-trust.
That trust encourages you to keep going.
The more often you do this, the stronger your sense of capability and happiness becomes.
Small Scares, Big Rewards
You don’t have to jump out of a plane or go through a haunted maze to practice courage (though you can if that’s your thing!). Facing fear can look like:
Speaking up when you would usually stay quiet.
Trying a new hobby that intimidates you.
Having an honest conversation you’ve been avoiding.
Signing up for a class, trip, or event that feels outside your comfort zone.
Each of these moments teaches your brain that fear doesn’t always mean danger. Sometimes, it just means growth.
How Fear Can Lead to Joy
Here’s the part that might surprise you: fear and joy are actually connected. When you do something that scares you and come out stronger, your brain releases dopamine — the same “feel-good” chemical that lights up when you’re happy. That’s why conquering fear can leave you feeling energized, proud, and alive.
It’s also why so many people love Halloween. We get to flirt with fear in a safe, playful way: watching scary movies, telling ghost stories, or walking through a haunted house knowing it’s all pretend. It’s a reminder that fear doesn’t always have to be serious or overwhelming. Sometimes it can be fun.
Your Halloween Challenge
This Halloween season, try treating your fears like friendly ghosts. Not something to run from, but something to get to know. Ask yourself:
What am I avoiding that might actually help me grow?
What’s one small “scary” thing I could try this week?
Remember: courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means you move forward with fear and find joy on the other side.
So go ahead and step into the unknown, even if your knees shake a little. The scariest moments often lead to the sweetest rewards.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
