In the right hands, fear is not a handicap, but an advantage. A tailwind, not a headwind.
Evolution gave us fear millions of years ago to make us act accordingly in dangerous times, to make us less likely to kill ourselves and more likely to perpetuate the species.
In more civilized times it also serves the useful purpose of making unsatisfactory situations very uncomfortable.
Fear, when used properly, drives us forward.
They say courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to feel the fear and do it anyway. Any good soldier knows this, going into battle.
Fear is not just a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes it’s a sign that you’re doing it right. Sometimes lack of fear is the actual problem.
Know this, and use it to your advantage.
Know this, and know it is perfectly normal to be afraid at this point in the curve.
Know this, and carry on.
Know this, and rejoice.