Question: ever felt afraid before?
I think it’s safe to say that one way or another, we have all experienced being fearful.
Take this time to recall yours: what were you scared of before?
Reciting in class?
A terror teacher?
Making mistakes?
Death?
In my case, I used to dread standing in front of a huge crowd because of my fear of being ridiculed and judged while growing up.
I lost count of the number of times I lost my composure and made a fool of myself as I let my fear then get the best of me. Trust me, it took a whole lot of time, effort and commitment to becoming my own #bestmeever to overcome them. Yup, working on myself helped me understand my fears (and myself) better and taught me how to face them bravely.
So if you’re feeling scared right now in your current space, for whatever reason you may have, please know that there’s hope. And yes, you can overcome your own biggest fears by choice.
But first things first: let’s debunk some of your misconceptions about fears so you don’t get overwhelmed in the process:
You will be quite surprised though, but based on experience, the most successful people I have interviewed and worked with had their own set of fears to overcome before they became the person that they are at present. Sounds highly unlikely especially if you see them looking confident and all made up. However, truth be told, it’s normal to feel scared when you are dealing with something unfamiliar or unpleasant. If the fear persists or cripples you big time though, consider seeking professional help so you can navigate through it better.
2. Your fears are all based on facts.
More often than not though, that’s not exactly the case. If you’re feeling fearful and anxious about the future then you are merely operating based on your assumptions. The only way your fears will turn into facts is when you embrace them whole and believed them totally. Know though that you have a choice on not to go that route ever. So now, ask yourself: what assumptions are clouding your judgment? What are your facts on-hand that are under your control? Reflect on these fully so you can clear your space and your thoughts accordingly.
3. Your fears define you.
Your fears don’t define you. Your response towards them, as you take responsibility for yourself and your actions, do. The only way your fears will define you is when you allow them to take over your life as you base your decisions on them: whether it’s all about quitting, letting go or beating yourself up — all of which don’t necessarily help resolve what you need to address in the first place. Reflect: what can I do now to resolve this fear of mine? Big or small, your action plans matter.
4. Your fears are unbeatable.
No fear is all powerful for someone who is very much self-aware and self-secured. It’s all about giving yourself that fighting chance to face your fears head on, knowing that you have what it takes to do so. Try to recall similar situations where in you felt scared and yet you overcame them. Use whatever learnings you had then to deliver your desired results moving forward as you look at your fears straight in the eye. Win this for yourself. You deserve it.
5. There’s nothing good about having fears.
Actually, there is. Fears help you understand yourself better, as they highlight what is truly important to you: your boundaries, your dreams and aspirations, your loved ones, your reputation. I mean consider this: you won’t be scared of losing something or doing something if what is at stake doesn’t matter, right? So consider your fears as gentle reminders of what needs your attention, whether it’s for self-improvement or the safety and growth of everyone else around you (and within you, as well). So stop resisting fear and start learning how you can sit with it comfortably so you get to understand it (and yourself) better.
Still scared? Hopefully lesser now after reading this.
Just remember: you will always be bigger than your fears.
Be brave enough to make life happen for you as you conquer them and own your space.
Being brave can take you further in life.
So true, don’t you think?
Think about this: how many times have your fears stopped you from becoming your own #bestmeever ?
Hey, don’t start beating yourself up now because that isn’t exactly the solution to overcome whatever hurdles you may have now.
Remember: loving yourself is actually your own responsibility. So never forget to give yourself what is due: kindness, understanding and the chance to maximize all the opportunities given to you by being brave enough to go for them while feeling worthy all through out.
I know: easier said than done. Most especially if you feel that the world has collapsed underneath you and everything around you just looks and feels uncertain. Not exactly ideal for anyone, if I may say.
However, if you’re truly committed to yourself, your happiness and your growth, know that you can summon that inner courage you thought you never had. Yup, it has always been there; you just have to inquire within and let your inspiration draw it out as you re-write your own story once more.
Here’s the thing: change is inevitable and very much beautiful. You just have to trust yourself and the process more to be able to really see the purpose behind each one unfold. Resisting change actually makes you feel stuck and blurs your own vision of growth and happiness. Think about this: what if the seemingly uncomfortable changes you’re undergoing now is actually preparing you for greater things ahead? Patience my dear; everything will eventually fall into place.
2. Failures
Nobody’s perfect. So why even pressure yourself too much to be just that? Let yourself be. Do what you can with all that you have and with the clearest intentions on hand. That will always be more than enough. Even if things don’t go as planned and you find yourself at the “losing” end, know that it’s not the end of the world. It’s actually just the beginning for you as you take new lessons to heart and use them accordingly moving forward. Yes, failures can be blessings in disguise too.
3. Growing old
Growing old is a privilege. Not everyone gets to celebrate his/her birthday until his/her hair turns gray. Embrace it. Stop equating it with loss of beauty, significance, health or mobility. Instead, see old age as a sign of growth and wisdom, an inspiration for all those who have yet to embark on the journey you have accomplished. The key here is to ensure that you make the most of each and every moment so that when you look back someday, you won’t have any regrets.
4. Starting all over again
Back to zero. This is what a lot of people dread, most especially during old age where they feel they have so much to lose. Not true though. With nothing else to lose, there’s so much more to gain as you commit to working your way up. To be free to do and be what you want in this lifetime is a priceless experience so never let tenure or the fear of letting go of what you have prevent you from pursuing what you truly want and deserve. It will always be worth it.
5. Embracing your authentic self
As you are, you are very much worthy and deserving to take up space. Never let anything or anyone make you feel otherwise. By being brave enough to show your authentic self to the rest of the world, you inspire others to set themselves free too from their own fear of rejection and judgment. Be the inspiration you were called to be in this lifetime.
I hope you get to reflect accordingly about these so that you can finally tap into that courage within as you live the life you truly want and deserve.
Believe in yourself. You can do it.
