Don’t Fear Your Fears by Being True to Yourself
Colonel Prashant Rawal (Veteran)
Life Doesn't get easier: Life Coaching Makes You Stronger
Have you ever felt that inner spark, that desire to shine brightly, yet something seems to hold you back? It's a common human experience. The culprit often is the lurking fear of failure or the worry about what others might think. In this informal blog, let's delve into these barriers and explore how breaking free from them can lead you to unleash your true brilliance.
The Fear of Failure:
Failure is inevitable. It's not the failure that holds us back, but rather, the fear of it. We fear the judgment, the disappointment, and the perceived setback. What we forget, though, is that failure can be a stepping stone to success. Think of successful people – they didn't reach their pinnacle without stumbling along the way more than once.
Take J.K. Rowling, for instance. Before the magical success of Harry Potter, she faced numerous rejections. The fear of failure could have kept her from persisting, but she embraced it, learned from it, and ultimately soared to unimaginable heights.
The Comparison Trap
There is a growing tendency to compare ourselves to others and social media has intensified it. We see disguised glimpses of people's lives, achievements, and apparent success. This constant comparison can suppress our sense of worth and potential.
Consider the journey of Elon Musk. While he's now celebrated for his ground-breaking work with Tesla and SpaceX, his path was far from smooth. He faced financial crises, scepticism from the industry, and even personal struggles. If Musk had succumbed to the comparison trap, thinking he should be at a certain point by a certain age, we might not have witnessed the technological revolutions he's brought about.
Overcoming the Fear:
Acknowledging and embracing the fear of failure is the first step. Understand that it's a natural part of the journey. Reflect on your past setbacks – what did you learn from them? Often, these lessons become the building blocks of future success.
Create a supportive environment. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage and uplift you. Share your goals with those who believe in your potential. Their positive influence can give you confidence to drive out the fear-driven thoughts.
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Nurturing a Compassionate Connection with Yourself:
When things don't go as planned first thing we do is to get harsh on ourselves. However, establishing a compassionate connection with yourself is the key to overcoming the fear of failure. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would a friend facing a challenge.
Consider the example of Oprah Winfrey. Despite her tremendous success, she openly speaks about her failures and challenges. Oprah's journey is a testament to the power of self-compassion – acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward with resilience.
Embracing Authenticity:
The fear of judgment often stems from a desire to fit into societal expectations. We tend to give undue weightage to other’s opinions. However, true wisdom lies in authenticity. People resonate with realness, not perfection.
Look at the music industry, where artists like Lady Gaga have broken the mould by embracing their unique identities. Gaga's authenticity and refusal to conform to conventional norms have not only brought her success but also inspired others to embrace their true selves.
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