Embracing Fear to Grow
Mar 31, 2021
Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you tired of getting stuck on the same “stuff” every week?
If you answered “YES” to either question, you’ve likely met our friend, fear.
How in the world can fear be our friend?
It’s true— fear holds us back, keeps us stuck, feels overwhelming, and whispers lies about all the ways we don’t measure up.
AND
Fear gives us an opportunity to understand what’s really going on.
Let’s say you want to start a business, but the ideas never leave the pages in your journal.
When what we want to do (intention—starting a business) doesn’t match what we actually do (action—get started), we’re likely getting stuck in some of these traps (thoughts):
- The worst-case scenario: You imagine the worst possible outcomes are the most likely outcomes. “If this idea fails, I’ll regret ever trying. It’ll be a waste of time and money.”
- Lies we tell ourselves: You believe lies about who you are or what you can do. “I’m not smart, knowledgeable, or capable enough to start and run a business.”
- Feeling overwhelmed: It’s really the fear of scarcity (not enough time, resources, etc.). "I feel so overwhelmed and don’t even know where to start.”
These conscious or subconscious thoughts ignite fear and deplete confidence, holding you back from living a life of growth and courage, rather than overwhelm.
Instead of running from these fears, the way forward is to get curious.
Surface the thoughts behind the fear, call them out, and then reframe:
- Surface the thought: When you start to get stuck or push your dream aside, sit with your fear for a moment to discover what thoughts are beneath the surface. Why don’t I want to take the next step? What am I telling myself about who I am and what I’m capable of?
- Call it out: Once you recognize the toxic thought for what it is—toxic—choose to see it as a lie.
- Reframe: Reframe the lie holding you back with the truth. If the worst outcomes are possible, so are the best.
“Starting a new business will be hard, AND I have started new things before that turned out great.”
“I can’t do ALL things well. I will develop partnerships with people who have different CliftonStrengths than me. This will help my business THRIVE!”
“My current organization system is not working for me, so I’m going to try something different. I am more than capable of trying out new strategies.”
When we articulate our fearful thoughts alongside the potential for positive outcomes, fear’s power dwindles.
Acknowledge and reframe what’s really holding you back, because the truth is— the world needs what you bring. The best is yet to come.
If you’re ready to live a life of purpose, The Strengths Journal is your daily guide to living out your mission through your innate talents. The daily process outlined in The Strengths Journal will give you the focus, clarity, and passion you need to get unstuck and live intentionally!
This blog is an overview of our March Monday Motivation email series"Embracing Fear to Grow." To subscribe to the Monday Motivation emailing list, click here.
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