National Face Your Fears Day

National Face Your Fears Day is observed on the second Tuesday in October each year. It’s a day that invites us to recognize, confront, and move beyond the fears that quietly—or not so quietly—hold us back.

History of National Face Your Fears Day

This observance was launched in 2007 by public speaker Steven Hughes (sometimes written Steve Hughes), who intended it as a “catalyst” to encourage people to name and challenge their fears rather than live in avoidance. In its early years, it was sometimes called National Face Your Fears Day, but over time the framing has broadened, and some sources refer to it also as International Face Your Fears Day.

From its start, the date has followed a floating schedule: it takes place every year on the second Tuesday of October. That means the calendar date changes annually, but the spirit remains the same: a reminder to muster courage, reflect, and act.

Why is National Face Your Fears Day important?

Fear is a universal human experience—sometimes reasonable, sometimes exaggerated, and often silently shaping our choices. This day serves as a reminder that fear’s power often lies in remaining unnamed or unchallenged. Acknowledging what scares us is the first step to regaining agency over our lives. By confronting even small fears, we strengthen resilience and shift the narrative from avoidance to possibility.

Moreover, this day frames fear not as an enemy to be eradicated but as a signal and a boundary. It helps us distinguish between protective fear (which guides caution) and limiting fear (which holds us back). The idea isn’t to become fearless—unlikely and perhaps unwise—but to grow braver, to expand the territory of what we allow ourselves to attempt.

• It encourages introspection about what we avoid and why
• It invites us to reframe fear as a teacher, not just a barrier
• It validates small acts of bravery, not only big heroic gestures
• It can serve as a turning point to begin incremental change
• It fosters community when people share fears and strategies

How to Observe National Face Your Fears Day

You don’t need a grand gesture or dramatic confrontation. Start simply by writing a list: what are a few fears that tug at you—whether large or small? Name them without judgment. Then choose one that feels both meaningful and manageable, and decide what small step you might take toward it (reading about it, talking about it, seeking support). The act of planning makes fear less vague and more doable.

You could also invite others into it. Share a fear with a supportive friend or small group, and over a cup of tea or coffee commit together to a “fear challenge.” That might mean going somewhere you avoid, trying something new, or just having a conversation you’ve postponed because of nervousness. Whatever you choose, combine intention with compassion—don’t push yourself recklessly, but don’t let fear be the default.

• Write down fears without censoring
• Select one small step toward facing one fear
• Share a fear and plan with someone you trust
• Support someone else in facing a fear
• Track progress and reflect afterward

National Face Your Fears Day Dates Table