Believe it or not, I do recall the moment I made my first step. It was at my grandparent’s house, in the living room. I can see myself falling on that blue carpet as if it was yesterday. And there’s another thing I remember: that I wasn’t afraid.
You see, fear is a learned practice. Children are not afraid of trying, failing and getting up on their feet again. That’s how we get to learn how to walk! When they make the first step, I bet they don’t call themselves names or punish themselves if they fall. They rise up and give it a new try. They are not afraid to try out new experiences. They keep going.
Most people live their lives with regrets because they do not dare to step outside their comfort zone and go for their dreams, getting blocked by different kinds of imaginary fears that haven’t happened yet. There are different kinds of blockages people put against their own happiness, and the truth is nobody likes to fail. But if we see failure as a necessary experience and an opportunity for growth, everything changes.
To some people, success looks scarier than failure. The fear of success is directly connected to not feeling worthy of receiving the good things life has to offer. Being afraid of negative consequences as a disappointment or emotional punishment in case we don’t achieve our goals. Getting what we want might often look scary, too big or too much.
So, what to do when you are afraid?
Sometimes, you only have to take the first small step.
Be aware that your fear is trying to protect you and keep you safe from risk. If anything you want to achieve ever looks “scary,” take it as a good sign!
If your dreams do not scare you a bit, it means they are not big enough. And keep in mind that, in everything you do, there’s always for you a risk to succeed!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.” – Marianne Williamson
And now, I would like to hear from you. Is there anything in your life, a dream or a wish, that feels too big, too much or too good to be true?
Sara Fabian is a Women’s Empowerment & Career Coach and inspirational speaker, on a mission to help professional women to discover their unique strengths, gifts and talents, boost their confidence, find their calling and live a meaningful life of purpose. For weekly inspiration, subscribe to her free newsletter at www.sarafabiancoaching.com or follow her on Facebook.
