Who We Are
Founded by Dexter Lockhart Eroen, GoBeyond offers expert fear coaching rooted in wilderness survival practices. We provide 1:1 coaching as well as dynamic group workshops for teams and organizations focused on building resilience and a positive relationship with fear.
Dexter, an emerging keynote speaker, inspires audiences to utilize fear for growth. He is also an avid writer working on a book about fear and a memoir.
At GoBeyond, we help you build confidence, reduce anxiety, and achieve your highest potential by transforming your relationship with fear.
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The Pudding
On the Ride Home: Our Newsletter & Blog
It Isn’t Fear That Holds Us Back, But Rather How We Respond
The Formidable Four—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—represent our instinctive primal reactions to fear and perceived danger. While these responses can be lifesaving in dire situations, their effectiveness depends on the context. For example, freezing when one should fight or fawning when one should flee can be detrimental. It’s not fear itself but our reaction to it that influences outcomes. I’ve traditionally leaned towards flight or fawn, which served me well until I faced a situation in Joshua Tree National Park where these reactions were inadequate. During a perilous climb, my inclination to flee was overridden by my climbing partner’s calm, encouraging me to fight instead. This shift in approach, honed through practice in safer moments, saved my life and highlighted the importance of intentionally developing our reactions to fear. Understanding and mastering our instinctive responses can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and survival.
Holding On vs. Letting Go
In my workshops, I often begin by asking participants what inspired them to join. Many share a common desire to overcome specific fears, whether it's fear of failure, heights, or the unknown. It's natural to want to conquer fear, as it's an uncomfortable emotion that can overwhelm us. I, too, once approached fear with a mindset of conquering it, particularly in challenging climbs. However, I discovered that resisting fear only intensified its grip. Over time, I learned to acknowledge fear's presence calmly and redirect my focus to my performance. Embracing fear as part of the human experience allowed me to build a positive relationship with it, redirecting energy toward achieving success rather than fighting it. By shifting our mindset from avoidance to curiosity, we can transform fear into courage and embrace its lessons in our personal journeys.
Live and Let Fly
Dr. Brianna Rita Pagán, a local SoCal ultra runner, NASA engineer, and professor, caught my attention on Instagram after I completed the Backbone trail last December. Her adventures align closely with my newfound passion for running, particularly her impressive single-push run of the entire trail. Recently, she shared a remarkable story of rescuing three different birds that had unexpectedly flown indoors, prompting her followers, including myself, to ponder its spiritual implications. This incident resonated deeply with me, inspiring reflections on unity and supporting each other's unique potentials. It reminded me of the importance of fostering curiosity and encouragement, traits exemplified by true friends who help us transcend perceived limits. Dr. Pagán's actions and thoughtful questions continue to inspire a community dedicated to exploring life's deeper meanings and supporting one another's aspirations.