Have you ever considered how many opportunities your fear and self-doubt might sabotage for you when those feelings prevent you from putting yourself out there?
I am not asking this question to make anyone feel down about themselves. Human nature involves being afraid of the unknown and not recognizing your own potential. While I understand that, I feel that we need to actively breakthrough that internal dilemma to ensure that we are doing our best to be successful in life.
What are you scared of?
Rejection? Failure? Judgment? Humiliation?
I mean, those fears are valid, do not get me wrong. I am 100% with you in worrying about all of those awful instances becoming a reality if I put myself out there. Despite that, hear me out for a moment.
What is the worst realistic case scenario that could happen?
Keep your thoughts and emotions in check as you examine your fears. How realistic are they? Personally, my mind tends to run wild and assume the worst. I have passed up exploring opportunities in an attempt to protect myself, yet I realized recently that growth is not supposed to feel safe. It involves stepping out of your comfort zone. It is much easier to stick with what you know, rather than to explore the unknown. It is important to keep your unrealistic fears at bay as you assess a situation. If your intuition is screaming at you that you should not pursue a certain path, then chances are, you should listen. However, if it is your fear or self-doubt that is making you overthink, look at the big picture in an unbiased way.
Are you okay with never knowing how it all could have played out?
Is it really better to sit on the sidelines, fearing the worst, instead of exploring what could actually happen? You never know what could happen if you tried. I obsess over something I want until I eventually force myself to explore the situation. My feelings eat at me and when I finally give in, I realize I wasted my time over-worrying. Even if the opportunity does not work out, at least you have peace of mind knowing you did your best. There will always be more opportunities in the future, as long as you do not sabotage yourself.
Make friends with vulnerability.
One of the biggest issues in putting yourself out there is how vulnerable it feels. We live in a society where vulnerability is not commonplace. Some people will look at you like you have two heads if you show your emotions or do something different. Many people go about life based on what it is "supposed" to be- working 9-5 for someone else, for example. It is totally cool if you want to work 40 hours in a larger corporation every week, I am not bashing that whatsoever. Although, we need to recognize that not everyone is cut out for that. It is okay to want more than that. Creative types might feel the need to stifle their desire to put their work out there and try to make a career out of that. There is nothing wrong with turning your craft into a hustle, even though that is abnormal. For instance, you can write for money by monetizing a blog or self-publishing novels. The culture is changing. Making money online is becoming less unusual. It takes courage to pursue a path that is different from the one most people take, but it does not make you wrong. You can build your own place in this world. First, you have to get vulnerable and be willing to put yourself out there.
Take risks.
Life is not meant to be lived without taking any leaps. You have to follow what is calling you and make more for yourself. Do not limit yourself and tell yourself what is not possible. Instead, take small steps. Look for jobs you want, keep applying, and accept positions. Start new hobbies and side hustles. Sign up for classes to expand your knowledge. Plan trips and explore new places. If you love someone, tell them. Keep your heart open and give chances. Believe in yourself. This is your journey. Basically no matter what you do, as long as you are not causing physical harm to yourself or anyone else, you will make it through. You will probably need to redirect at times. Life is not easy. Pick yourself back up and try again. Dream bigger dreams. You got this.
Love always,
Brianna.