Just Do It (Even When It’s Scary)
Monday night, I did something that made me nervous. Like, sweaty palms and racing heart kind of nervous.
I stepped in front of the camera for a live cooking class as part of my nutritionist, Debbie’s 8-Week Challenge. She invited me to share some of my favorite recipes from my cookbook, The Purposeful Plate, and while I was honored, I also panicked a little inside. I love sharing my recipes. I love wellness. I love encouraging people. But doing it live? On camera? In front of strangers? Gulp.
But you know what?
I did it anyway.
And afterward, I remembered something powerful:
You don’t have to feel ready to walk in obedience. You just have to move.
That’s been a pattern in my life. I felt it back in 2015 when my husband started our construction business. It would mean giving up security. It would mean jumping into the unknown. But I knew I needed to support him—even if I didn’t know how it would turn out. So we did it. And it changed everything.
I felt it again when I created The Roasted Purpose.
It was born from my health journey. From a need for clean, nourishing protein. From a desire to help others. But it started as a whisper in my heart. One that grew into something bigger as I took small steps. Steps that scared me. Steps that stretched me. But I did them anyway.
And here I am, years later, stepping out once again—this time with a spatula in hand and a laptop camera pointed at my face—just doing it scared.
Because here’s what I’ve learned:
Fear is a sign you’re growing.
Discomfort is sometimes the price of obedience.
And courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to show up anyway.
So if you’re standing on the edge of something new… a new business, a new idea, a new “yes” that’s been pressing on your heart—I want to tell you:
Just do it.
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need all the answers.
You just need a little faith and the willingness to move.
Because that’s where purpose lives—in the stretch.
And if you ever need a cheerleader, or maybe a protein latte to sip on while you do something brave—I’ve got you. 😉
With courage and coffee,
Joanna Johnsen
Founder, The Roasted Purpose