There are countless obstacles standing in between you and your goals, but not all of them are external. In fact, sometimes, our own fears make us our own worst enemy. Identifying and understanding these fears are the first steps to keeping ourselves from sabotaging our success. Take a look at some of the common fears below to see if any strike a chord with you.
Fear of failure. Fear of not reaching a goal may keep you from even trying. The same could be said about fear of back-sliding once you see success. Keep in mind that failure is simply a part of the process and that learning from it can only increase your chances of achieving your goal.
Fear of the unknown. You know that you want to reach your goal, but you don’t know exactly how your life will change as a result. For instance, if you’re trying to lose weight, it may seem scary to think of yourself as a smaller person. Will people treat you differently? Will more be expected of you? Face these questions head on. Addressing the niggling concerns in the back of your mind will help you banish them.
Fear of after effects. Once you accomplish a goal, there are feelings of joy and satisfaction, but there may also be a “hangover” feeling. This let-down is OK, and even normal. Learn to expect, honor, and even embrace it—that way it’s less likely to derail you.
Fear of being exposed. Some people are afraid of exposure—of people seeing them, warts and all. But think of your good friends: They see you as you are, and they still love you. Recognize that the more we reveal about ourselves, the more comfortable we are remaining true to who that is.
Fear of being undeserving or unworthy. This is a big problem for many people who are overweight—they don’t think they deserve to lose weight, to make their well-being a priority, to live a healthier, happier life. This is often because they don’t value themselves the way they should. Recognize that you have value, and that you deserve good health, or whatever it is that you’re after. With self-worth comes strength and bravery—exactly what you need to face whatever life throws at you.
Also Read: