Celebrated Changemaker
Jessica’s Bold Leap: From Fear to Fulfillment
Stepping out on your own can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—exciting but terrifying. For Jessica Eastman Stewart, that fear was real. After more than a decade in education advocacy, the idea of leaving a stable career to start her own business seemed daunting. She faced the same question many aspiring entrepreneurs wrestle with: Am I really capable of doing this?
Jessica’s experience proves that the answer is a resounding yes and highlights the importance of pushing through uncertainty, turning fear into motivation, and trusting in yourself. If you are or have ever felt afraid or doubtful about making a similar leap, let her story inspire and motivate you. Here’s how she did it.
1. From Fear to Clarity: Leaning on Support to Gain Courage
Jessica didn’t start out with unshakeable confidence. In fact, it was quite the opposite. “I always wanted to work for myself, but I wasn’t sure I deserved it or that it was possible,” she admits. Among other things, she worried that it was too late to start, that there wasn’t space for her in her field of interest, and that she needed to invest more time or planning before she could make the change.
Sound familiar? Many leaders experience hesitation when considering going out on our own. But here’s a secret: you don’t have to do it alone.
With the support of leadership coaching from It's the Impact, Jessica unpacked her fears and gained a fresh perspective. She recognized her fears for what they were: limiting beliefs, not facts that defined her potential. With Rayne’s guidance, Jessica gained the courage and clarity to take the first big leap toward her goal, even though she wasn’t sure where the road would lead.
Key takeaway: If you’re feeling scared, know that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Lean on support, whether from a coach or a trusted advisor, to help you see through the fear and focus on your potential. Remember, it’s okay to feel afraid. That’s where growth happens.
2. Aligning Passion with Purpose: Turning Fear into Fuel
Though fear lingered in her mind, Jessica knew deep down that her purpose was to help leaders live more joyful, manageable lives.
“I think there are a number of ways that leaders can find more joy and ease in their work, which then enables more joy and ease for the people that they’re leading,” she says.
That passion became the foundation of her business, Joyfully Managed Life. Her fear didn’t disappear, but it became the fuel for building something meaningful.
Many leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs hold back because they think they need to wait until the fear subsides. But Jessica’s story is a reminder that passion and fear can coexist. Through strategic coaching, Jessica learned to work with her fear, letting her purpose guide the way. The result? A thriving business that reflects her deepest values.
Key takeaway: Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. If you’re passionate about something, take the leap and let your purpose drive you through the fear.
3. Rewriting the Story: Conquering Self-Doubt
Like many high-performing leaders, Jessica was no stranger to self-doubt, plagued by thoughts like, “What if I fail?” or “Who am I to do this?” She had convinced herself that success was reserved for others. But here’s the powerful truth: those doubts were just stories she had been telling herself.
Through leadership coaching with It's the Impact, Jessica learned to challenge those narratives and rewrite the story. Instead of letting self-doubt paralyze her, she took action—and began to realize her own power to shape her future.
Key takeaway: If fear or self-doubt is holding you back, it’s time to challenge the falsehoods you’ve been telling yourself. You are not ‘too late’ or ‘unqualified,’ and you absolutely deserve to pursue your dreams.
4. Building Systems, Finding Ease: Creating Your Own Path
For Jessica, the goal wasn’t just to build a business—it was to build one that worked in harmony with her life and values, allowing her to operate with more enjoyment and less stress.
“One of the things that enabled that for me is creating or leaning on systems, structures, and routines,” Jessica says. “That’s a little bit of my area of genius–using routines or structures to support what I want to be true.”
Through coaching, Jessica designed processes that played to her strengths and aligned with her goals, allowing her to build a business that reflected her vision. Her story is a powerful example of how leaders can create a business that works for them without sacrificing their personal well-being or values.
Key takeaway: Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of burnout. By designing a business with strategic systems that align with your values and build on your strengths, you can thrive on your own terms–without constant hustle and stress.
Conclusion: Your Fears Don’t Define Your Future
If you’re dreaming of going out on your own or making a similar significant change but feel immobilized by fear, know this: fear is normal, and it doesn’t have to define your future. Jessica’s story is proof that, with the right support, passion, and perspective, you can step into your power and create something truly remarkable and meaningful—even when fear is telling you otherwise.
With coaching from It's the Impact, Jessica was able to push through self-doubt and fear to build the business of her dreams. If you’re in the same place Jessica was when she began—nervous, uncertain, but ready for something more—know that you are capable of achieving the same. Your potential is far greater than your fears.
Find out how you can make your dream come true by scheduling a Free Discovery Call.