How to Shake the Shark: The Secret to Overcoming Fear and Taking Bold Action
When I Learned to Shake the Shark
I was 13, flying in a puddle jumper—basically a glorified lawn chair with wings—to a stunning little island off the coast of Mozambique called Santa Carolina. That's when we spotted it: a dark figure in the ocean, miles from shore.
We asked the pilot, expecting something dramatic. A whale? A lost fisherman? A ghost ship?
"That's João," he said simply.
João was the island's resident spearfisher. No boat. Worn gear. He spent hours in open waters, hunting lobster and fish, tying his catch to a buoy before swimming it back to shore.
We ended up hiring João for some spearfishing of our own. To my teenage self, he was Aquaman incarnate. He moved through the water like he had gills, firing his speargun ahead of fish with an eerie ability to predict exactly where they'd be.
Naturally, we asked him about the sharks.
His response? "Oh, they're just annoying."
Annoying. Like a bad WiFi connection.
He explained that reef sharks often claimed the best lobster spots. His solution?
"I grab their tail fins and shake them. They get startled and swim away. Then I take the lobsters."
He said this like he was describing how to deal with a pushy salesperson.
Here's what motivates me to write, mentor and coach.
Most people will never shake their sharks.
They'll feel the primal grip of fear – that ancient evolutionary alarm bell screaming "DANGER!" – and they'll listen to it. Every single time.
Result? They plateau. They settle. They watch their dreams gather dust while telling themselves "someday."
- The business stays in their head
- The crucial conversation never happens
- The career pivot remains a "what if"
We're hardwired to interpret fear as a stop sign. But here's what separates extraordinary achievers from the permanent plateaus: They've learned that fear is often just expensive marketing for danger that doesn't exist.
The Fear-Danger Disconnect
Think about it: João showed me that fear and danger aren't always synced. Most times, actually.
Most sharks don't attack humans. But try telling that to your nervous system when you're in open water. The fear is real, but the danger is often imaginary.
Sound familiar?
Fear of failure stops more businesses than actual failure
Fear of judgment silences more voices than actual criticism
Fear of change traps more careers than actual risks
From Paralysis to Power
Here's the truth: You don't need to become fearless. You need to become fear-fluent.
Three steps to shake your sharks:
1. Name Your Shark
What's the fear that's really running the show? Get specific. "I'm afraid of failing" isn't enough. What exactly does failure look like to you?
2. Study Your Shark
Research the actual risk, not the perceived threat. How many people actually "die" from public speaking? How many career changes really end in disaster?
3. Shake Your Shark
Pick one fear this week to confront. Start small. João didn't begin by wrestling great whites – he built his understanding one encounter at a time.
Ready to map out exactly where fear is holding you back?
The Xponential Scorecard will show you precisely which areas of your life need a good shark-shaking.
If you haven’t already - get access to your Xponential Scorecard here.
Because every day you let fear win is another day your lobsters get away. Share in the comment section how the lesson I learned at age 13 resonates with you.
Looking for more insights and inspiration?
Check out notable guest pod appearances and new episodes of my podcast.
From Scarcity to Success: Unlocking Prosperity in America – In this episode of Little Book Stories, I share a deeply personal journey from scarcity to success, shaped by my experiences growing up in the Soviet Union and Mozambique before coming to the U.S. I explore how environments of poverty and abundance shape our mindset, why so many underestimate the opportunities around them, and how embracing a prosperity-driven perspective can transform your life. If you’ve ever felt stuck or limited, this episode will challenge you to rethink what's possible. Watch now and discover why resourcefulness—not resources—is the real key to success.
In my latest guest appearance on The Ryan Hanley Show, we explored a powerful idea—how suffering, when embraced intentionally, becomes a catalyst for strength, resilience, and success. From my journey through war-torn countries to building businesses and coaching high performers, we discussed the mindset shifts that turn adversity into momentum. We tackled raising resilient kids in a world of comfort, the lost art of apprenticeship, and why faith and purpose anchor true fulfillment. If you want practical insights on thriving through challenges, this episode is packed with them—watch it below.
This Extrology episode is packed with insights on embracing uncertainty, adapting across industries, and using your platform for impact. From navigating political upheaval to building a mission-driven career, it’s a deep dive into resilience, reinvention, and purpose. If you’re looking for strategies to thrive in a world of constant change, this one’s worth a listen.