Susan Jeffers (1938–2012) was an American psychologist and bestselling author who transformed the way millions of people understand and overcome fear. Born Susan Gildenberg in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, she studied at Penn State University before earning advanced degrees from Hunter College and Columbia University, ultimately receiving her doctorate in psychology. Her early career included serving as executive director of the Floating Hospital in New York beginning in 1971, and she later taught fear-related courses at the New School for Social Research — blending academic rigor with practical, life-changing instruction.
Jeffers achieved worldwide renown with her 1987 landmark book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, which became one of the most influential self-help titles of the modern era. The book sold millions of copies and was translated into more than thirty-five languages, reaching readers across the globe who sought to break free from self-doubt, paralysis, and anxiety. Her core message — that fear is an unavoidable part of growth and that action, not certainty, is the path forward — resonated deeply with audiences navigating career changes, relationship challenges, and personal reinvention.
Beyond her writing, Jeffers extended her impact through workshops, seminars, and audio programs that made her teachings accessible to a wide range of learners. For Nightingale-Conant, her work stands as a cornerstone of the personal empowerment tradition — offering listeners a compassionate, actionable framework for building courage and living more fully. Susan Jeffers passed away in Los Angeles on October 27, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers and listeners to embrace life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
