Is Fear Holding You Back? Start with a Step

Think of two or three things that you REALLY want to do but you haven’t done them yet. Now, ask yourself, what are you waiting for? Why haven’t you done them?

Is it because you don’t have time? Is it because you aren’t sure how to start? Or is it because, just maybe, you’re afraid?

Fear of the unknown can keep many of us from pursuing the things that we truly want to do. We experience fear of failing, fear of making the wrong choice, or fear of disappointing others or ourselves. It seems the older we get, the harder it is to change.

Whether it’s trying a new hobby, changing careers, leaving a longtime relationship, getting in better shape, or any other experience, no matter how big or small, it’s natural to have some fear.

Being afraid is not the problem. It’s when you let your fear hold you back and keep you from doing the things that will truly lead you to living a better, more fulfilling life, that’s when fear becomes an issue.

Try this…don’t just take a huge leap…why not start with a simple step? Each time we do something, even seemingly small acts, that takes us just an inch outside of our comfort zone, it gets easier to do. The next step might be a little bigger, then a little bigger, you get the idea.

Challenge yourself to do something that scares you…it doesn’t have to be huge! It might be eating a food that you think is disgusting, or it might be saying hello to a complete stranger – fear looks different for everyone. As you conquer your fears, you’ll also find that you start to love yourself more.

If I wouldn’t have done a few things that scared me years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Whenever an opportunity comes my way that makes me nervous or afraid I remember those times in the past. I think, “What could happen if I do this thing?” Then I think, “What could happen if I don’t do this thing?” Often, it’s the answer to the last question that I don’t like the most.

I tell my students it’s okay if they try something and fail, they still learned from the experience. You grow from every experience, both your successes and failures, so the more things you try, the more you learn.

Happy weekend! 🙂