If Your Dreams Don’t Scare You

This month marks my first as a consultant — a milestone that has been equal parts exhilarating and energizing.

Somewhere between late nights drafting strategies and early mornings chasing possibility, I stumbled on the new Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders documentary on Netflix. One line stuck with me:

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”

I’ve been holding onto that sentence like a reminder that I’m on the right track. Because the truth is, this dream does scare me — but in the best way. It’s a sign that I’m stretching into something worth doing.

Spiraling, then finding my compass

When I first stepped away from my old role, there were days when self-doubt crept in: What if I fail? What if no one hires me? But in those moments, I realized I needed something steady to hold onto. Not a business plan or spreadsheet, but my values. They became my North star, the engine that drives me forward.

My values in action

Autonomy: I am my own boss now, and that means showing up for my clients and myself with discipline and presence. Autonomy isn’t just about freedom, it’s about responsibility.

Freedom: I’m a single, childfree woman by choice. Every day, I’m betting on myself, accountable only to me. That gives me the freedom to take big swings and the courage to embrace the risk.

Flexibility: My days no longer feel rigid or over-scheduled. I juggle multiple projects and tasks, but there’s room for spontaneity. Flexibility allows me to respond to client needs quickly and also make space for myself.

Creativity: For me, creativity is about more than brainstorming ideas. It’s about showing up with an open heart and mind, trusting that my years of experience will help me find solutions that are both strategic and human.

Adventure: Launching Goodluck 13 has felt like the road less travelled. Every decision — from setting my rates to pitching my services — is a bold step forward into the unknown. And that’s what makes it thrilling.

Kindness: Kindness is non-negotiable. I try to extend it to my clients, my peers, and to myself, especially on days when things don’t go according to plan.

Passion: At the heart of this new chapter is my commitment to causes I care deeply about. Passion fuels my energy and makes the work feel meaningful, even when the learning curve is steep.

Remembering these values has kept me focused as I’ve landed on my brand identity, pitched my offerings to new clients, negotiated my rates, built my work schedule, and sorted out the fine print with my accountant.

Not everything will be perfect right away, and I’ve accepted that. But I know that if I lead with my values, I’ll have the clarity and resilience to problem-solve when things inevitably go off track.

Fear as fuel

If you had asked me a year ago whether I’d be here — running my own consultancy, building a brand, supporting multiple clients — I might not have believed you. But today, the very things that once scared me most are the signals that I’m on the right path.

Fear doesn’t mean stop. It means this matters.

Living the dream (and inviting you in)

Goodluck 13 thrives not because everything is neat and tidy, but because I am bold enough to live this dream in all its messy, thrilling, sometimes scary glory. Each day I live into my values, I’m building something that reflects who I am, and what I believe in.

So here’s my question for you:

When fear creeps in, what values guide you back to yourself?

I’d love to hear your reflections.