Fear is one thing I know those of us in this industry (and generally in life) can really hold you back. Often we’re so worried about what might happen when we try something new that we end up just not. So in today’s podcast I wanted to share some strategies for overcoming fear and taking a chance on something that just might work.
I don’t think ignoring fear is necessarily the right choice, but rather working with it, acknowledging it, and even harnessing it to some degree so you’re more in control of the fear than it is in control over you.
People starting out with blogging, podcasting, and using social media often come up against some or even all of these questions as the test the waters with this new hobby they’re excited about – what if no-one reads? What if no-one likes it? What if it upsets someone? What if I fail? What if I get criticised? What if I’m wasting my time?
Sometimes answering these questions instead of shying away from them can actually help you drill down to your ‘why’, and what you’ve started on this journey for in the first place. It can help you realise that even if all these things do happen, you will survive and even thrive because they’re not the end of the world.
We all face fear. And I happen to think it’s a pretty useful thing when we do. Fear can give you an insight and clarity when faced with danger – it can help you make the right decisions when it’s crunch time.
In today’s podcast I talk about what you can do when faced with fear that’s paralysing. When you feel as though it’s holding you back, that it’s too scary to go on, the ways you can push through and make a go of it anyway.
I talk about why I see fear as a signifier that something important is about to happen, the times I’ve felt most afraid, and the three questions you can ask yourself when you feel that familiar feeling take hold.
It’s not about totally removing fear from all your decisions, but how to manage it so you can still succeed.
You can listen to this episode in the player below or head to the episode 54 shownotes here, where you’ll find other notes and opportunity to connect with other Podcast listeners.
Hi Darren,
I am huge on breathing in my fears, on sitting with them, and releasing them. What a fab way to be present with the many fears which pop up in our minds. Sitting with the energies literally dissolves them and so darn quickly too. I experience more fears than you’d ever believe; being with them and asking questions is simply the way to go to release the energies.
Ryan
Great post. Everyone has fear from something.
Thanks for sharing a motivational post. It can help people to overcome their fears. Nice post Darren.:)
This is so true. I spent literally years hesitating on quitting my high-powered career to pursue my passions — ONLY due to fear. Fear of regret, fear of not making it, fear of failing. Ultimately I bit the bullet and guess what? The anxiety and panic I so feared never came to fruition. I am learning to understand my fears, confront them, and use them as motivation vs. stagnation.
That is an awesome way to look at your fears. I love the way you turned that into motivation. I must remember this!
Hi Darren,
This was a great Podcast. I can so relate to everything you said. Fear can sometimes be so paralyzing I’ve had moments where I felt like I needed to go to the emergency room..LOL!
But I’ve also learned to do the 3 questions and that helps immensely. I also remind myself that it’s okay to actually ‘do it’ afraid and the moment you begin, the fear washes away.
So again thanks for being so open with your own journey!