How to Turn Anxiety Into Excitement, According to Bethany Hamilton

When fear creeps in, many of us freeze, worry, or back away from challenges. But according to world champion surfer Bethany Hamilton, fear doesn’t have to hold us back—it can actually fuel us. In her conversation on the Today’s Mama Podcast, Bethany shares a powerful mindset shift: fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin. It’s how we respond that makes the difference.

The Same Energy, Different Channel

Bethany explains that fear and excitement both trigger similar physical responses: a racing heart, adrenaline rush, and heightened senses. The key? Learning to recognize that energy and channel it toward positive action rather than paralysis.

“Fear and excitement are very much the same energy. It’s about how you choose to channel it.” —Bethany Hamilton

Instead of seeing fear as a stop sign, Bethany views it as a green light—an invitation to step into growth, challenge, and adventure.

Facing Giant Waves (and Big Emotions)

Bethany knows fear intimately. She’s faced towering waves like “Jaws” in Hawaii—waves bigger than houses. Even with her impressive skill, she admits she still feels fear.

“I’m not lacking fear. I have a healthy fear and respect for the ocean.” —Bethany Hamilton

But instead of letting that fear paralyze her, she channels it into focus, preparation, and pure exhilaration. That same approach can help anyone dealing with anxiety in everyday life.

A Practical Tip for Parents and Families

Bethany’s advice resonates beyond surfing. Parents can teach their children—and practice themselves—to:

Reframe anxiety as excitement.
Recognize physical signs (like a racing heart) as “ready signals” instead of danger signals.
Practice facing small fears regularly to build confidence.

Physical movement also matters. Bethany notes that exercise, movement, and even adrenaline-spiking activities like surfing or hiking can help burn off excess anxiety and make it easier to redirect.

Real-Life Example: Helping Anxious Kids

Bethany shared a moment when her four-year-old son faced a giant water slide. He was scared at the top, but with encouragement (and a little chocolate bribe), he went down—and loved it.

Facing fear in small doses builds resilience over time, helping children (and adults) realize that fear is not a stop sign—it’s part of the journey.

Anxiety Is Not the Enemy

Bethany Hamilton’s unstoppable spirit reminds us that anxiety doesn’t have to be the enemy. With a small shift in mindset, we can transform fear into excitement, and worry into action. It’s a practice that can empower us—and our kids—for a lifetime.