While setting and accomplishing your goals can help you change and grow, too often fear intervenes and stops you before you even get started.
Fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger or pain. Whether the threat is real or imagined, the feeling of being afraid can be paralyzing.
But is it accurate to believe that pursuing goals in your professional or personal life puts you at great risk?
Perhaps this might be true if your goal is to be a world-famous BASE jumper, sneaking onto skyscrapers and leaping off with a tiny parachute. Or if your goal is to be an alligator wrestler on YouTube.
All kidding aside, most of us have little to fear when it comes to goals, other than maybe a little embarrassment. So how much does fear or possible embarrassment act as a deterrent when it comes to pursuing your goals? Are you afraid someone will think less of you because you tried and failed?
Remember, it’s the achievement or the attempt that matters, not the embarrassment.
I like to run, but I am not a great runner. I’m slower than many and less graceful than most. Nonetheless, I get great satisfaction out of setting a specific distance as my goal and achieving it. As I run down the road and cars speed past me, I sometimes think about how I look as I lumber along.
Sure, fear of embarrassment drives these thoughts. This fear is trying to convince me to quit. It’s the same fear you must find a way to eliminate in your mind.
When critics lack the courage to act, it is easy for them to pass judgment on those who make an effort. Just remember, they don’t have the courage -- you do.
I don’t run to prove anything to other people. I run to prove something to myself, namely that I can reach whatever goal I set, regardless of how I look. What matters is action, achievement and effort.
Completing goals gives me a sense of satisfaction and pride. This satisfaction energizes me to set my next goal and charge ahead. Goals help me become the person I want to be and live the life I envision.
So don’t get overwhelmed by fear. Be prepared for it and push on. When fear tries to intervene, ignore it by reminding yourself of the pride and satisfaction you’ll feel when you push past your fear and succeed with your goal.