It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to feel fear. Life doesn’t start when the bad feelings are gone. So what happens if we embrace the old adage, do it scared?

We sat down for The She EmpowHers Podcast with Kristen “MF” Clark (yes, the MF means exactly what you think), and she reminded us that doing hard things isn’t optional—it’s life. She came with fire, honesty, and gut-punching wisdom. Her story was a reminder that transformation isn’t about pretending to be perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself even when you’re trembling on the inside.

Here are five takeaways from our conversation with Kristen that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

1. Inspiration Fades, Self-Trust Lasts

We’ve all been there. It’s the new year, you’ve dug out those gym clothes that have been sitting in the corner since spring, and this time—you’re sure—you’re going to get in the best shape of your life. But then life happens. The motivation fades. The sneakers go back in the corner.

Kristen reminded us that outside inspiration is fleeting. Motivation might spark the start, but it can’t carry you long-term. What does? You. Your ability to trust your own choices, honor your commitments, and remember your why is what keeps you moving when the hype wears off.

Try this now: Write down one commitment you’ve made to yourself this month. Then add the “why” underneath it. Keep it somewhere visible so that when inspiration fades, your own reason for showing up will still be there.

2. Trust the Trembles

Kristen told us about the anxiety she had going to do her taxes after remembering the disappointment from the previous year. Fear in her chest. Doubt in her head. Everything in her body telling her to bury her head in the sand. But she went anyway. She got through it. Trembling—and still doing it.

That moment is a reminder most of us miss: confidence doesn’t come first. Courage does. We keep waiting until we “feel ready,” but ready is an illusion. The trembles aren’t a stop sign—they’re proof you care and you’re stepping into something bigger than your comfort zone.

Try this now: Think of one thing you’ve been avoiding because you’re waiting to feel ready. Take one step toward it today. Even if your hands shake while you do it, let the trembles be your sign you’re moving in the right direction.

3. Stop Living on Half-Breaths

Kristen challenged the pressure to “just stay positive.” On the surface, it looks strong—always smiling, always upbeat. But underneath? It’s exhausting. She called it living on half a breath.

When we only allow the light emotions, we cut ourselves off from half of who we are. Fear, sadness, and anger don’t make us weak. They make us whole. By denying them, we’re suffocating parts of ourselves that carry lessons, resilience, and truth.

Full breaths—full lives—come from making space for it all. The joy and the grief. The strength and the softness.

Try this now: The next time you feel something heavy, name it out loud. “I feel anxious.” “I feel angry.” “I feel sad.” Giving language to it doesn’t make it bigger. It makes you bigger, because you’re finally breathing fully.

4. Hold Your Standards High

Think about a time you lowered your standards just to keep the peace. Maybe you stayed quiet in a meeting when you knew you had the right idea. Maybe you kept dating someone who didn’t treat you well because it felt easier than being alone. We’ve all done it.

Kristen reminded us that every time we drop our standards, we send ourselves a message: “I don’t deserve more.” And that belief seeps into everything.

High standards aren’t about being rigid or perfect. They’re about remembering your worth—even when other people don’t see it. They’re about trusting that the right people, jobs, and relationships can rise to meet you, instead of you shrinking to fit them.

Try this now: Write down one standard you refuse to compromise on anymore. Keep it simple—respect, honesty, time for yourself. Say it out loud this week when you’re tested. Let yourself feel what it’s like to stand tall in it.

5. Embrace the Seasons of Letting Go

Not everything is meant to last forever. Kristen spoke about the beauty of release—how sometimes people, jobs, and even old versions of ourselves only belong to a season.

And here’s the hard truth: letting go often feels like loss. But on the other side is room for the new. Kristen reminded us that the version of you waiting ahead is worth the release.

Try this now: Journal one thing (or person, or habit) you might be holding onto out of comfort. Ask yourself: Is this helping me grow, or am I keeping it because I’m scared to let it go?

Gentle Close

Kristen left us with three words that felt like fire in our bones: Be the dragon.

Don’t shrink. Don’t wait until you stop shaking. Don’t suffocate yourself with half-breaths. Trust the trembles. Do it scared. And step into the next version of yourself with your full fire lit.

Listen or Watch her episode to dive deeper!