I’ve been feeling…nexited – that vibration between feeling nervous and excited before you need to step into something important.
Do you know what I’m talking about? Or do you just swing straight into nerves before delivering a big presentation, anticipating and showing up for a difficult conversation, or stepping into a new role or opportunity?
Here’s why it matters: most of us interpret those physical signals — racing heart, sweaty palms, foggy focus — as nerves and, because our brains are wired for self-preservation, we default to fear and once we’re in our heads, anxiety takes over. Biologically, fear and excitement share the same energetic frequency #science
But here’s the reframe I’ve learnt (and share with my clients): those sensations are the same for excitement. The only difference is the story you attach to them.
So, if you label it as fear → you shrink.
But label it as excitement → you expand.
This is about harnessing the energy differently. When you reframe nerves as excitement, you stay open to creativity, possibility, and impact.
So my invitation for you this week is simple:
Next time your body reminds you you’re alive, pause and ask — am I really nervous, or am I just nexited?
“Fear and excitement are simply the same energy — directed differently.”
3 Practical Ways to Reframe Nerves as Excitement
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Name it differently — next time your heart races, tell yourself: “I’m excited.” This simple shift calms the fear response. Laugh out loud if you must. and convince yourself that you are – even if you need to use third person to do so.
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Anchor it to your ‘why’ — reconnect with your bigger purpose for showing up. When the why is clear, the nerves become fuel. Take the focus off you and shine it out onto the people, places, spaces or occasion.
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Channel the energy — use the physical sensation and direct it into creativity, movement, or connection. Energy doesn’t disappear, but it can be redirected.
I’d love to hear from you: where in your life could a reframe unlock excitement instead of anxiety?
