Unmasking Fear: Discovering Your True Potential
Have you wondered why you feel guilty when torn between meeting others' expectations and staying true to yourself?
Many would just label it as "people-pleasing" or a trauma response, and while I don't necessarily disagree with that, I think it's become an oversimplified explanation that we tend to accept without much thought.
What if the "guilt" we often experience stems from a deeper fear within us? I'm not referring solely to the fear of letting others down, but rather the fear of falling short of our own aspirations. While guilt may stem from various emotions, I want to shed light on the fear we encounter when confronting our own potential.
It’s much easier to play it safe. Our brain is literally wired to do so. It is equipped with mechanisms to safeguard us from harm as we perceive it. However, to perceive something is to understand, interpret, and experience it, but often what we perceive is based on our subjective perspectives (individual interpretations) or judgments rather than reality.
Is it possible that what we fear most isn't as real as it seems? Failure, while a genuine experience, isn't a permanent condition. It's more like a temporary setback—one we have the power to overcome and grow from.
So if we hold the power, then what are we really afraid of?
I think we’re just afraid of our own capabilities, which is why it’s so easy for us to question them. It’s the reason why we struggle to bet on ourselves. It’s the reason why we become anxious when it’s time for us to speak up for what we believe in. It’s the reason why we have yet to take that leap of faith.
But my advice for you would be to Do It Anyway!
I wish I could tell you how to rid yourself of fear… but I believe to truly be fearless, you must constantly make the decision to move forward despite being fearful.
As we discover ourselves, the path ahead may not always be clear. Taking the next steps might be harder than the first. You might need to let go of old habits and start saying "No" more often.
But most importantly, you’re going to have to start choosing what’s best for you.
Here’s a few affirmations you can began saying to help you along the way:
I release the guilt of not meeting everyone’s expectations and prioritize staying true to myself.
I acknowledge my own capabilities and bet on myself despite any doubts or fears.
I embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth and understand it’s not a permanent condition.
I let go of old habits that no longer serve me and confidently say ‘no’ when necessary.
I prioritize my well-being and consistently choose what is best for me.