“I’m scared of messing up.”
“I’m scared I won’t succeed.”
“I’m scared I can’t do it.”
Fear is a powerful emotion; it can be positive and negative. It can work in ways that make us struggle to push forward in our lives too. When we are fearful, we can feel as if we don’t have the energy to think, to experiment, or put our thoughts forward.
How many times has fear stopped you from doing something?
When we fear judgment from others, we stop creating work that pushes our creativity. We begin thinking about what others will say or think instead of thinking of what we want to do or make.
What We Need to Know About Fear
Fear can take up a lot of psychological real estate. When we let our fear go unchallenged, it grows and expands. We become hyper-aware of our fear and feel like we don’t have the ability to get things done.
Fear makes us feel unsure of ourselves. Instead of just taking care of things right away, we listen to our fears and then we decide all sorts of safety plans must be put into place:
- We must look perfect
- Our work has to be error-free
- We need to say the right thing
- We need to arrive looking calm and happy
- We have to have the right vibe
But here’s the good news… you can overcome fear. Especially if it’s stopping you from achieving your goals. Here are some strategies I think you should try:
- Reach out to someone. We often underestimate the value of asking for help. Don’t let pride stand in the way if you’re not feeling like yourself. We’re not perfect, and it’s okay to get support from a friend, family member, or loved one.
- Write it down. Keep a journal or notebook to help you sort out your fearful thoughts. Notice which thoughts you gravitate towards and try to understand why you’re feeling the way you are. This exercise will help you get to the origin of your fear and navigate through it.
- Create something. Doodle, dance, compose, brainstorm with people related or unrelated to your work, and expand your views in new ways; the choices are truly limitless. Don’t think too hard about this, just create a different experience for yourself to overcome fear.
- Consult a professional. Sometimes we can be trapped in misery for far too long; when that is the case, consider seeking the help of a professional. Seeking professional help can help you feel understood and supported, but it can also help you find the clarity you need.
- Connect with others online. Finding others going through a similar situation as you can be beneficial too. This could be a Facebook group or some other type of online forum. I invite you to join the Procrastination Coach Facebook Group. It’s a kind, engaged group of wonderful people. I’m in there frequently, posting and sharing new material and providing feedback and support to members.
Fear tends to keep us from reaching towards our potential. That is exactly why we should be mindful of when we start to hold ourselves back. Use the resources available to you. Find some new ones if you feel like you could use some more. Avoid getting bogged down in feeling guilt, shame, and other energy-blocking emotions. Remind yourself how creative, powerful, and free your mind and spirit truly are.
Overcome fear by embracing the changes you are facing. They will be more interesting and informative than your fear ever could be.
If you're interested in more strategies in living more freely and confidently, follow Dr. Li on Instagram@procrastinationcoach.
