Why Doing Scary Things is Worth It — The Case for the Leap

Doing scary things is worth it because facing fear builds confidence and resilience. Whether it’s bungy jumping or any challenge outside your comfort zone, pushing through fear in a safe environment reminds you that growth and a powerful sense of accomplishment live on the other side of the leap. 

If someone turned to you and said, “Hey, want to do something scary?” your first reaction would probably be something along the lines of, “Yeah… hard pass.”

After all, you pride yourself on being a sensible person. Your house is clean, your bills are paid, and when it comes to big decisions, you usually lean toward the safer option.

But here’s the interesting part… Doing something that scares you has been shown to be good for you. Stepping outside your comfort zone can boost resilience and remind you just how capable you really are.

And when that scary thing happens in a professionally managed environment like AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, with rigorous safety systems and an experienced crew, what you’re really confronting isn’t danger, it’s fear itself.

Zamira has been part of the crew at AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand for the past three years, all while studying for her Master’s in Psychology.

“I’m only at bungy once a week,” she says, “but it’s one of those jobs I never want to leave because it’s genuinely so much fun.”

Outside of bungy, Zamira works full-time in the disability sector, helping young people with disabilities access life-changing opportunities and experiences. She’s even brought some of the young people she works with to AJ Hackett, and seeing their reactions has been unforgettable.

“It’s been such a highlight for them,” she says. “To watch them do something they never imagined they could do, really, is a testament that anyone can do it.” 

Zamira takes a frontline role at AJ Hackett, and her psychology training comes in handy every day. 

“I love seeing how people process fear, push past it, and walk away feeling proud of themselves. Seeing them both before and after, there’s always such a big shift. When they come back to base, there’s this huge rush of energy, big smiles all around, and you can see the adrenaline still pumping.” 

But let’s get back to you (yes, you), the “sensible” reader.

What Zamira has learned through both her work at AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and her psychology training is that doing something scary (when it happens in the right environment) can actually be incredibly good for you.

How doing something scary can be good for you

Doing something scary teaches you an important lesson: fear doesn’t have to be the thing that stops you.

“You really do only live once, and doing something scary like a bungy can remind people just how much they’re actually capable of,” explained Zamira. 

“Even though it feels extreme, you’re in a safe, supported environment with an experienced crew who have been doing this for a long time and carry out multiple safety checks.”

It’s a little bit like magic. When you choose to do something that challenges you, your brain learns that discomfort isn’t dangerous; it’s often where growth happens. 

“Scary things like a bungy jump force you outside your comfort zone, and that’s where confidence and resilience can really grow. It teaches people that feeling nervous or scared isn’t something to avoid, and it’s something that can be managed and worked through.”

And let’s not forget the strong sense of achievement…

“That moment of facing the fear and doing it anyway is something people carry with them long after the jump.”

What’s happening physically and mentally before and after that adrenaline rush? 

From a psychological perspective, you might be wondering what’s going on in your brain during this experience. Before the adrenaline rush comes something almost everyone experiences: a sudden feeling that something isn’t quite right.

Your brain, quite simply, is trying to protect you from the scary thing you’re about to do. 

“This is normal. I’d be worried if you weren’t feeling like this. I’ve done so many bungy jumps, and even to this day, I still have that moment where my brain tells me not to do it.”

That fear response doesn’t just happen in your mind; it can show up physically, too. You might notice your heart beating a little faster, goosebumps rising on your skin, or even your knees wobbling. 

Don’t be embarrassed. It’s simply your body reacting to fear and anticipation.

And next comes the jump. What follows is where the magic happens. 

“After the adrenaline rush, though, you’ll feel a huge sense of relief and excitement. As the adrenaline wears off, you might still feel a bit tired or even a little shaky. But mentally you’ll feel so proud, more confident, and like most, you’ll probably want to come back for more.”

In other words, your body might be catching up, but your mind will be buzzing with the kind of confidence that comes from doing something you never thought you could.

A tale of taking the leap

We asked Zamira to share one of her most memorable moments, and here is what she said: 

A standout success story from my time at Bungy was when I took a group of young people with intellectual disabilities down to Taupō (as part of my other role) to go bungy jumping and swinging. It was incredible to see the same caring and passionate crew not just in Auckland but in Taupō as well, and I’m sure that kind of support extends across all AJ Hackett sites.  

A lot of the youths’ parents thought they were crazy for even signing up. 

The night before was full of tears, nerves, and shaking. But it meant so much that I could be there as someone who works in that environment and has done the bungy many times. I was able to talk them through it in a way that felt safe and reassuring. 

Honestly, it felt like a real blessing to combine my two jobs into one experience. Almost all of our youth took part, and they were on an adrenaline high for the rest of the day. 

One girl in particular had the Taupō Swing on her bucket list for the longest time, so it was really special to watch her finally do it.

As we walked up to the platform, she was absolutely terrified. Tears started flowing, and her nerves really kicked. We started smelling the sunflowers, blowing out the candles (a breathing technique) in an attempt to calm her nerves. Josh (Taupō jumpmaster) had an amazing chat with her while she was being harnessed in, which definitely helped, but the fear was still very real.

The tears didn’t stop, so she requested “Shake It Off ” by Taylor Swift on the speaker. As we sat in the swing, ready to be dropped, we were basically shouting the lyrics at each other right up until the drop. It was such a wild moment that I completely forgot I was doing the swing too until my stomach dropped. By the time we came back up, everything had changed. She was already asking to go again.

I ended up sharing the photos with her family, who could hardly believe what she had just accomplished. She was so proud of herself for facing something that scared her so much and not just doing it, but loving it. A few weeks later, she took it even further and went on to do the Sky Jump in Auckland, which she absolutely smashed. Next on her list is the Skywalk.

So there you have it, the answer to facing your fears is… Taylor Swift tunes. 

But seriously, here’s how to dare to be brave if you’re incredibly afraid of heights, but want to challenge yourself. 

“Just because you are afraid of heights doesn’t mean you can’t do it. We face so many scary moments in life, but most times those moments are the ones that help us grow the most,” explains Zamira. 

“I’d say, just do it once; if you don’t like it, you never have to do it again. But most people come back saying it was one of the best things they have ever done. The fall itself is such a quick moment compared to everything else going on in our busy lives, but it’s one you’ll never forget.” 

Ready to discover what’s waiting on the other side of your fear?

Book your leap with AJ Hackett Bungy today and prove to yourself just how much you’re truly capable of.

FAQ’s

Is it normal to feel terrified before a bungy jump?

Absolutely. Even experienced jumpers and crew members feel that “fight or flight” response. From a psychological perspective, your brain is simply trying to protect you. Physical reactions like a racing heart, goosebumps, or wobbly knees are natural signs of anticipation, not signs that you shouldn’t jump.

How does conquering a scary challenge like bungy jumping help in everyday life?

Stepping outside your comfort zone in a safe, controlled environment like AJ Hackett Bungy teaches your brain that discomfort isn’t dangerous, it’s where growth happens. This builds “resilience equity,” giving you the confidence to handle stressful situations at work or in your personal life with the knowledge that you are capable of more than you imagined.