It always seems like there’s a mountain between us and our dreams. People who want to achieve something great, reach a lofty goal, or start something new will often hesitate before taking the leap. That little bit of hesitation is fine – it’s not wise to do anything monumental without pausing to make important considerations.
The hesitation becomes a problem when it transmutes into fear or anxiety that holds you back from doing something you’re perfectly capable of doing. If fear is standing in the way of your success, it’s time to evaluate the situation, work towards resolving that fear, and do the thing you’ve always dreamed of doing.
Acknowledge That You’re Scared
Most people don’t want to admit that fear is a major component separating them from their goals. They’ll come up with a list of alternative excuses, but those excuses often won’t hold water. Sometimes, excuses are issues that must first be solved or cases where a little creative thinking can bring about a perfect workaround. If your excuses aren’t that rational upon further examination, you need to acknowledge that you’re feeling a little afraid. It’s nothing to be ashamed of – it happens to everyone.
Ask Yourself Why You’re Scared
Realizing that you’re afraid is the “what”. The “why” is even more important, as this is where you’ll find the solution. Why are you afraid to move forward with your great idea, your request for a promotion, or to continue your education? For many people, it’s the fear of failing. This is even more true when the goal requires money. Nobody wants to feel like they’ve let their family down by misappropriating funds, and nobody wants to be broke.
In truth, there is always a risk of failure in everything. There’s a risk that you can burn your macaroni and cheese! Learning to accept that there’s a risk and understanding what you can do to mitigate or minimize that risk will make the process easier. Remain mindful, but consider how much control you actually have. Utilize healthy coping mechanisms for your anxiety, and work through your concerns with rational thought.
Look to Other People for Inspiration
Find someone who has already done what you’re setting out to do. You don’t have to know them in person. Maybe they’ve released a book or done a TED talk or a magazine interview about how they accomplished what they wanted. If your goal is something smaller, like moving up the career ladder, you might have a coworker who has seen success and would be willing to talk to you about it.
If you utilize their advice, you’ll have fewer reasons to feel anxious or afraid. They’ll likely give you the advice they wish they had. You can learn from their failures and mistakes through the gift of their hindsight, preventing you from stumbling down the wrong path. The wisdom of others is an invaluable tool.