Consider that for a moment: to get what you want, you just need to get past your fear. I can hear some of you now: "Fear? I am not scared."
Fear is a powerful emotion. It often masquerades as a cloak of protection, keeping us from doing things that may cause us harm. But sometimes, the real damage comes from the inaction that fear enables.
We avoid at all costs those things that make us uncomfortable, but there is no growth in the status quo. Sooner or later, that caution and those fears that prevent you from getting hurt or put on the spot, stagnate you.
Here are some sneaky ways fear halts your progress
Your Head Is Full Of Negative Self-Talk
Somewhere along the way out of fear of ridicule or rejection, you started to tell yourself that it was okay not to go after what you wanted. You fill your head with negative stories that prevent you from learning, growing, and stretching your wings. You say things like, I'm not good enough, I'm not ready, or I'm just a __________ (whatever you are now), not a _________ (whatever you'd like to be).
Self-sabotaging talk can be a dream killer and a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s a vicious cycle. It plants seeds of doubt, so we start to retreat and succumb to the negative stories echoing in our heads.
“________ Is Holding Me Back”
It’s far easier to blame others for your lack of growth than it is to step out of your comfort zone.
The truth is that the things that prevent you from growing are not external; they are internal. It's easy to think that other forces — your boss, the economy, or friends — block your path. Not true.
You’ve Fallen Into The Trap of ‘Good Enough’
You’re gainfully employed and have supportive friends and family. You have a good life. So good, in fact, that you should be grateful. You should be happy. You should feel guilty for wanting something different when so many would kill to be in your shoes.
You end up “should I be doing more” all over yourself.
You convince yourself that rocking the boat would upset everyone around you, and who wants that? Rather than go after your dreams, you settle for good enough.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, fear has altered your mind.
The good news? Once you have acknowledged that fear exists, you can take measures to address and disarm it.
If you want a better life and career, you have to change the stories you tell yourself. Words have power, especially the ones you say or don't say to yourself. By replacing self sabotaging talk with self affirming talk, you will abandon limiting beliefs and adapt a growth focused mindset. This doesn't mean that you'll transform overnight, but it will create a more welcoming environment for positive change.
The Only One Who’s Holding You Back Is YOU
Until you take responsibility for your own growth journey, everything will remain the same. To make a positive change, you have to be willing to be vulnerable. You need to muster the courage to acknowledge and tackle your hidden fears. By doing so, you will get out of your own way, gain traction and go after your goals.
Realize That ‘Good Enough’ Rarely Is
It is hardest to admit what you most want in the world, and so it is very
easy to settle for something short of that “risky” path. Lose the fear and guilt about going after what is missing, and start to explore. A healthy curiosity is often the best educator, as it leads to new opportunities and experiences.
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