Fear often hampers our ability to do what we truly desire and need. It can be incapacitating and immobilizing. When we confront a situation that challenges our comfort zone, fear creeps in and halts our progress. As a result, we resort to making excuses, which in essence, only fuel our fear further. However, it's time to overcome these fears and embrace the life we're destined to lead.
It's unrealistic and unsafe to expect to be entirely free from fear. Our biological wiring prepares us for hazardous situations through fight, flight or freeze responses.
For instance, it's not wise to saunter down a dark alley at night, or to speed recklessly through traffic, due to the potential dangers involved. Such fears are normal and necessary.
Unreasonable Fears
Unreasonable fears could stem from a variety of factors, including:
- Uncertainty: Anxiety about unknown outcomes
- Future: Potential events or situations that may or may not occur
- Failure: Defeat, or not achieving the desired result
- Mistakes: Imperfection, inadequacy
- Comparison: Insecurity when compared to others
- Embarrassment: Public or personal humiliation.
These are just a few examples of irrational fears that prevent us from advancing. We often justify our fears with excuses to avoid confronting challenges. However, without challenges, personal and professional growth is nearly impossible.
Let's explore some common excuses we rely on and how to overcome them to start taking action.
Excuse: I don't know how.
Solution: The internet is a vast resource right at your fingertips. Use it to learn and grow. You are ultimately responsible for your own knowledge.
Excuse: I don't like people.
Solution: This is likely untrue and could be a sign of discomfort or lack of confidence around others. Get out there and socialize, as humans are inherently social beings.
Excuse: I don't know what I want.
Solution: Start by listing things that make you happy, feel good, smart, beautiful, and creative. Then list things that make you unhappy or uninspired. Align your life towards the positive list. Your goals and desires will emerge when you're honest with yourself.
Excuse: I'm too old.
Solution: Age isn't a barrier to success. Harlan Sanders franchised KFC at 62, Samuel Jackson got his breakthrough role at 43, Ronald Reagan became President at 70, and Peter Roget invented the Thesaurus at 73. Don't let age be an excuse.
Excuse: I'm too young.
Solution: Age doesn't limit intellect or creativity. Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook at 19, Alexander Graham Bell began developing the telephone at 18, and Louis Braille invented the Braille reading system at 15. Age is not an excuse.
Excuse: I don't have the time.
Solution: If it's important, you'll make time. Break down big projects into manageable tasks. Use a planner, calendar, or project management app to stay organized.
Fear is a part of life, but it should not rule your life. There will always be reasons to quit or not to start at all. The key is to take the first step, then the next, and keep going.
