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Ep 42: Breaking the Fear Loop: How Faith-Driven Moms Can Stop Playing Small and Start Building Their Dreams
36 Plays2 months ago
Feeling stuck in the cycle of "I'm not ready yet"? In this powerful solo episode, Laura Caroffino breaks down the three stages of the fear loop that keep purpose-driven moms playing small and shares her proven framework for breaking free.
As a former Department of Defense contractor turned 7-figure entrepreneur, mom of five, and military spouse, Laura knows firsthand what it's like to have big dreams but feel paralyzed by fear.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• The 3 predictable stages of the fear loop (and why recognizing them changes everything)
• Why your life experience IS your credential
• The reframe that transforms "What if I fail?" into fuel for action
• Laura's 3-step framework: Name It to Claim It, Take the Next Right Step, Remember Your Why
• How to stop comparison from stealing your calling
Perfect for: Faith-driven moms, mompreneurs, women in leadership, military spouses, and anyone ready to stop waiting for "someday" and start building their dreams today.
For more info go to www.LauraCaroffino.com
This is your permission slip to stop playing small. Your breakthrough is on the other side of your fear.
#MommasWhoLead #FaithDrivenBusiness #MomEntrepreneur #OvercomeFear #PurposeDrivenMom
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Transcript
Introduction to 'Mom is Who Lead'
00:00:15
Speaker
Hey, Mom, welcome back to Mom is Who Lead. I'm Laura Carafino. And if you're new here, this is the podcast for faith-driven moms, mompreneurs, women leaders who know they are made
Understanding the Fear Loop
00:00:29
Speaker
for more. And today we're talking about something that kind of keeps so many of us stuck.
00:00:35
Speaker
And believe me, I have been in this spot for quite a while I've It is the fear loop. You know you know what I'm talking about. and that's cycle where fear whispers, you're not ready, you're not qualified, you don't know enough quite yet, so you wait, right? And then the more fear says, you know, they amplify that you're not qualified. So you research more, right? And then fear says, what will people think? So then you kind of stay hidden and you stay small. So mama, I have been where you've been working in the past for the Department of Defense, then working as an entrepreneur, and being a mom of five, military spouse. I have been there. i have allowed that cycle, that fear loop.
00:01:29
Speaker
hold me back. And I know what it feels like to have these huge dreams, but it feels paralyzing because of fear. So here's the truth about the fear loop that nobody talks about. Fear isn't trying to protect you from failure. It's trying to protect you from success. Yes.
00:01:50
Speaker
yes Because success means change. And our brains are are wired to resist change.
Stages of Fear: Not Ready, What If, Comparison
00:02:01
Speaker
It's because we're so used to being in this in this spot where you're small and you're not visible.
00:02:09
Speaker
And our bodies want to keep us safe and protected. And if we do anything that challenges that, it's going to resist that change, right? So here's what I've learned building multiple seven-figure businesses while raising five kids is the fear loop has three predictable stages. And once you recognize them, you can break free.
00:02:35
Speaker
you say amen? Like who does not want to break free from that? I do. Raise your hand. All right, so stage one, it's the not ready trap.
00:02:47
Speaker
This is where the fear is gonna convince you that you need more time, you need more skills, more credentials, You know, because then you're going to you're going to want to, you know, i i need to do this course and that course. And then you get in the course trap. That's a whole other story. You know, taking, you know, courses from this coach and that coach and that coach or I need to go and get this credential from this school. And that takes time. But.
00:03:13
Speaker
I'm here to share with you what I know after working with hundreds of purpose-driven women is that your life experience is your credential.
00:03:24
Speaker
That struggle you've overcome, that's your expertise. That problem you've solved for yourself, that's your calling. now think about the things that you went through in your life. Like, what have you done that has helped you or your or someone else solve a problem, created an impact, that's your calling.
00:03:50
Speaker
You are ready, right?
Reframing Fear: From Failure to Success
00:03:52
Speaker
Stage two of that fear loop is the what if cycle or spiral, if you will. Fear starts throwing around worst case scenarios.
00:04:04
Speaker
What if you fail? What if people judge you? What if you're not good enough? And that is, when you get in that trap, it's gonna keep you small. it's good If you don't break out of that, because everything's what ifs.
00:04:19
Speaker
But here's how I want you to reframe, it and the reframe that kind of works for me is instead of asking what if I fail, start asking what if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams, right? What if you succeed?
00:04:35
Speaker
You know, you need to take that risk. Because somebody out there is needing what you offer. That solution you have, that advice you may have, that program you may have, that product you may have. Somebody needs it and you are the vehicle for them to receive it.
00:04:55
Speaker
Stage three, the comparison quicksand. Yes, this is where fear shows up. It's going to show you all. It's going to show up. It's going to show you everyone else who's already doing it better.
00:05:09
Speaker
And this is one that gets people stuck. It's It's a thief, mama. is comparison is the thief of your calling.
00:05:20
Speaker
God didn't call you to be the next someone else. He called you to be the first you. And there is no one out there that is like You you are the only one that can handle a situation the way you do. You are the only one that has that idea. You are the only one that he has called you to your purpose.
Framework for Overcoming Fear
00:05:40
Speaker
your purpose so I know you're thinking, how do you break free from that loop, right? So here's my quick three-step kind of framework that's helped me. And over time, as you practice it, it's going to be easier and easier and easier for you to get through this and get out of it.
00:06:01
Speaker
The biggest thing is name it to claim it. So when fear shows up, don't ignore it. Say, I see you fear. Thanks for trying to keep me safe, but I'm choosing courage today.
00:06:13
Speaker
So once you do this, fear is gonna lose its entire power over you because you're acknowledging it without letting it drive you. So if you acknowledge, yep, I see the fear, I see it, but you know what? I'm still gonna go forward. Next step is take the next right step.
00:06:32
Speaker
So once you've claimed that that, you know, you see the fear, you you know what it is, be like, okay, now I need to move forward. I need to take that next step because you don't need to see the whole path ahead of you. You just need to take that next step, you know, send that email, record that video, have that conversation, record that podcast episode, you know,
00:06:56
Speaker
Courage isn't absence of fear. It's action in the presence of fear. So i guarantee everyone that has started, started off fear. Everyone successful start started. They probably had some type of fear, but they didn't allow it to hold them back. So if you take that step forward, it's going to be easier for you.
00:07:19
Speaker
And step three and getting out of this fear loop is remembering your why. Your why has to be bigger than your fear. For me, it's showing my five kids, especially my daughter, that mamas can build legacies while loving their families
Inspiration to Act and Lead by Example
00:07:37
Speaker
well. you know And whatever your why is, it needs to drive you keep doing what you're doing because there's gonna be days that that fear is gonna be so loud in your head But you're gonna have to be like, i need to do this, I'm doing this for my family, or whatever your reason is. And that is gonna propel you forward and push you to do the hard things, to do to send that email, to post that video, to show up and be visible online.
00:08:08
Speaker
you know And here's what I want you to remember. Every woman you admire, every leader you look up to, every mama who's building something beautiful, they all they've all felt this fear too. And the difference is they didn't let fear have the final say.
00:08:24
Speaker
And so I'm asking you and to take that next step. You know, you were made for more. Not someday when you're ready, not when the kids are older, not when you have more time or money or confidence.
00:08:39
Speaker
Confidence comes with doing and action, right? But right now, today in this season, whatever it may be, if you have that pull in your heart, that calling to do something more,
00:08:53
Speaker
Take that step today because the world needs what you have to offer. Your family needs to see you walking in your calling because that's going to change everything about you. you know And it's going to lift your spirits. it's gonna you You're going to resonate and your aura is going to change. And you know that dream in your heart, it's not there by accident.
00:09:16
Speaker
So I want you to take this with you. i want you to... Identify what stage of the fear loop you're in right now. Then take one small, brave action today. Just one, okay? Doesn't have to be a hard one.
00:09:31
Speaker
a small one. Because courage is contagious. And your breakthrough is on the other side of your fear. And I am a cheering you on I know how hard it is. I've been there.
Engagement and Upcoming Interview
00:09:44
Speaker
And if this episode spoke to you screenshot it, tag me on Instagram at lauricarafino. I love celebrating brave mamas who are choosing courage over comfort. sure to subscribe to this podcast because i have an incredible interview next week with a guest, Kendra Cook. She's the founder of the Daily Well Planner, TEDx speaker, author,
00:10:11
Speaker
incredible interview. You do not want to miss it. So until next time, keep leading, keep growing, keep believing in what's possible. And this is your permission slip to stop playing small.
00:10:25
Speaker
You've been listening to Mamas Who Lead with Laura Carafino. Thank you for joining us on this journey today. Each episode, each story, and every piece of advice we share is a step towards building a community of empowered, resilient, and inspiring mama leaders just like you.
00:10:44
Speaker
Remember, leadership isn't just about the title or the workplace. It's about how we navigate our lives, uplift those around us, and pave the way for future generations. As we close today's episode, I encourage you to carry forward the insights and inspiration you've gained, apply them to your life, share them with your tribe and continue to lead with heart and purpose for more empowering stories, strategies, and support. Make sure you subscribe to Mamas Who Lead on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to follow us on social media for behind the scenes content.
00:11:17
Speaker
community discussions, and much more. Until we meet again, keep embracing your unique journey of leadership and motherhood. You are capable, you are powerful, and you are exactly where you're meant to be.
00:11:30
Speaker
Lead on mamas.