Pushing Past Fear and Doubt to Achieve Your Goals
Kellie Bahri
We have all had someone in our life say, “Just do it,” but doing a thing can be mentally debilitating, even when it is something we need or want to do. What holds us back from taking the steps needed to do it? Is it fear of failure? Fear of success? Rejection from others? The unknown? All of these can cause a person to hold back from following through. It’s important to remember that all successful people had to push send. They did it. Success comes when we take risks and put ourselves out there. Here are a few tips for pushing past fear and doubt to achieve your goals.
Jump Right In
The first step to taking action is to simply start. We often get overwhelmed with overthinking things that can cause us to become bogged down and we overlook the need to jump right in. Whether you are applying for a new position, writing a book, creating a blog, or designing a presentation, taking the first step towards a new opportunity is often the hardest part. So take a deep breath, and jump in.
Let Go of the Outcome
When we look at taking the first step, we must let go of the outcome. It’s easy to get caught up worrying about how our work will be received by others, but remember their response does not need to define you. Too often we bypass the positive responses and fixate on the one or two naysayers. Tune out the noise and trust yourself. As Brenè Brown advises, “When someone spews something really hurtful, don’t pick it up and hold it and rub it into your heart and snuggle with it and carry it around for a long time. Don’t even put energy into kicking into the curb. You gotta see it and step over it or go around it and keep going.” Instead, focus your attention on those who want to see you succeed and want to celebrate your success with you, as well as give kind constructive feedback when needed. We must be willing to absorb constructive feedback from those who support us. We must hear and reflect on it in order to continue to grow in our practice and expertise. The outcome will prove to be greater than what your fears foresee.
Face Your To-Do List
The dreaded to-do list must be faced. A to-do list only serves its purpose if action is taken to clear it. The longer we ignore the things on it, the more they become bigger and more overwhelming and our sense of accomplishment becomes lost. The best way to handle this is to simply do a thing. Remember, the only way to move forward is to take that first step. Pick one thing, break it down into small manageable steps, and get started. Start anywhere; write a word, send that email, design that content. No matter where you begin, taking the first steps in accomplishing your goals and intentions can be empowering and set you on the path of fulfilling your passions.
Quiet Your Inner Voice
Our inner voice can be your worst enemy. This voice feeds your doubts and causes you to have imposter syndrome. It can keep you frozen from moving forward, taking risks, stepping onto the path that was meant for you. We must shut this voice off and challenge it. Every time you hear yourself saying things such as you can’t do it, call it out and change the negative self-talk to positive talk. Believe that you have what it takes to succeed. Small steps is all that it takes to prove your inner voice wrong.
Stay Focused
Finally, stay focused. Taking action can be messy. There is no straight road that leads to success or accomplishing goals. There will inevitably be setbacks and failures. They say that those who are successful are those who are willing to do the work that others will not do. This shows two things. One, successful people experience the same things that keep us from trying, and to be successful you can’t let the bumpy road deter you from what you want to achieve. Staying committed to your vision will allow you the opportunity to embrace the things that will ultimately move you closer to success. Bumpy roads lead to greatness.
So, just do it. Do a Thing.
Comments