EP 178 - Embrace the Scary: Peter Shankman on Boldness, Risk, and Success

Peter Shankman - Paper Napkin Wisdom

In episode 178 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we were delighted to welcome back Peter Shankman, an entrepreneur, author, and renowned keynote speaker. Known for founding Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and his focus on neurodiversity, Peter has continually pushed boundaries in both his personal and professional life.

During this insightful conversation, Peter shared a simple but impactful mantra: “Do the scary thing.” This nugget of wisdom has played a pivotal role in shaping Peter's successes and life philosophy.

Why Do the Scary Thing?

"Everything I've ever done in my life that's been successful... has started by my doing the scary thing," Peter explained. Whether it’s jumping off cliffs, both literal and metaphorical, he attributes much of his growth to embracing fear and risk. This philosophy pushes individuals to leave the safety of their comfort zones and explore the unknown.

For Peter, "the scary thing" has driven decisions in both his personal adventures, like skydiving and triathlons, and his business endeavors, like launching HARO, now an essential platform for journalists worldwide. The element of fear is present in all major breakthroughs, as taking risks often involves a chance for failure. But Peter reminds us that failure is not something to fear—it’s part of the journey to success.

Neurodiversity as a Superpower

Peter’s story is unique in more ways than one, as his journey includes embracing his ADHD as a gift, not a limitation. He talked about how ADHD has fueled his creativity and allowed him to approach life with a different lens. "Having a neurodiverse brain is a superpower," he stated, emphasizing that seeing the world differently can provide a competitive edge, especially in entrepreneurship.

Peter’s podcast, Faster Than Normal, is dedicated to helping people with ADHD recognize the strengths that come with a neurodiverse brain, demonstrating how they can leverage their differences to their advantage.

Action, Not Perfection

One key lesson Peter shared is the importance of action over perfection. He reflected on how many people hold themselves back because they want everything to be perfect before making a move. But in Peter’s view, waiting for perfection means missing out on growth. "You’ll learn as you go, and the mistakes you make will help you grow faster than if you wait for the ‘right’ time."

This concept ties back to his core belief: act now, and adjust along the way.

Bringing Fear into Business

We also discussed how this idea of doing the scary thing applies to business. Peter stressed the importance of making bold moves when building a company. “If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing,” he said. Whether it’s launching a new product, expanding into a different market, or even rethinking customer experience, leaders need to take calculated risks to move forward.

Success, as Peter notes, often lies on the other side of fear. His story is a living example of how embracing the unknown can lead to incredible achievements.

Peter Shankman’s wisdom is a powerful reminder that fear and growth are intertwined. From his career successes to his personal triumphs, his advice to “do the scary thing” applies not only to entrepreneurs but to anyone looking to level up in life.

5 Key Takeaways from Episode 178 with Peter Shankman

1. Do the Scary Thing: Growth happens when you leave your comfort zone. As Peter said, "Everything successful in my life started by doing the scary thing."

2. Neurodiversity is a Gift: Embrace the unique strengths that come with a neurodiverse brain. ADHD and other conditions are not limitations—they're superpowers.

3. Take Action Over Waiting for Perfection: Don't let the fear of imperfection hold you back. "You’ll learn as you go," Peter explained.

4. Boldness in Business: In entrepreneurship, bold decisions lead to progress. "Comfort is the enemy of growth," Peter remarked.

5. Failure is Part of the Process: Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a key ingredient. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow faster.

Peter Shankman’s approach to life and business is a blueprint for those looking to push past fear and embrace boldness. Take a moment to reflect on how you can do the scary thing in your own life—because that’s where real transformation begins.

Listen to the full episode here: