“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” Confucius
Fear is one of the most dangerous four-letter words that anyone can use when it comes to your work in purpose and accomplishing your dreams. If you are feeling stuck and not accomplishing your goals or making little or no forward movement in life, take a look at where your fears lie. Believe it or not, fear can be lurking in aspects of your life and in ways that you may not have considered. Fear may even be interfering with enjoying or acting on things you may be passionate about.
Take a moment to consider these common fears that, unfortunately, can most likely be found in a lot of lives. Are these fears a part of your life?
Fear of public speaking
This is an all too common fear that may be holding you back from your dreams. The thing is, you are not alone. Public speaking is listed as one of the number one fear any of us may have. Too bad; the road to fulfilling many dreams can often involve some kind of public speaking.
Fear of flying
This is more common than you might think. However, it is really difficult to be a global citizen if you are afraid to get on that plane. And if traveling the world for business or pleasure is a part of your vision and goals, you are out of luck.
Fear of success
Now we are getting deep. This is so often hidden so deeply you don’t even realize it’s there, but that doesn’t keep it from sabotaging your dreams.
Fear of failure
Sometimes the companion to fear of success. When fear of failure dominates your thinking you are unable to function because it is tied to the risk of embarrassment and even ridicule.
Fear of appearing stupid or dumb
Many people never embrace their dreams because of the way they think those dreams appear to others or the way they appear to others. Just hold onto the fact that this is your dream and your purpose. Don’t make apologies to others as you pursue it, not even your parents.
Fear of being criticized
This is closely tied to fear of appearing stupid. We learn this fear early in life. For example, we don’t raise our hands in class for fear we don’t really know the right answer; when we ask questions and someone laughs at the question. Our fear of being criticized is reinforced throughout our childhood. You must accept that we don’t all think alike and what appears reasonable to you may draw criticism from others. Learn to block out unfounded criticism and to analyze beneficial critique.
If you have difficulty figuring out how to tackle and then banish your fears, you can consult others for help. American psychiatrist and author, Karl Augustus Menninger said, “Fears are educated into us, and can if we wish, be educated out.” A good coach can help you develop steps to overcome that debilitating 4-letter word – FEAR!
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