What are you afraid of?
April 7th, 2012
When I want to commit to something — a change, small or big — and I don’t, it’s almost always because I’m afraid. Afraid of failing. Afraid of making a fool out of myself. Afraid of falling short or disappointing myself or others. Afraid of being uncomfortable. Afraid of hurting others. The list goes on.
What are you not committing to, and what’s keeping you from committing to it?
I would love for you to share your response to this question in the comments section.
Thank you in advance.
- Categories: Life and Leadership
- Tags: commitment, fear, inquiry
- Comments: 5 Comments
The two main things that hold me back are the fear of the unknown and,not being good at whatever I’m committing to. I especially don’t want to do something that I’m not good at in a situation when others are relying on me. For example, I’d like to take more of an active role in leading a support group, but I wish I had some sort of guarantee that I indeed have what it takes to help others.
Darn it Shelli, why d’ya have to go and ask this question?!
*I’m afraid to get back in touch with a friend who inquired about me potentially joining her girl band (Holly, are you out there?!) as the guitarist. This opportunity is probably the single most exciting opportunity OF MY LIFE. I’m not kidding-who has wanted to be “Girl With Guitar” in a band?! But will I follow through with it? What if I’m not good enough?
*I’m afraid to work harder at the gym with my trainer. I might actually die if I do my brain tells me
*I’m afraid to pick up the phone every single time a coaching client calls. It rings and it signals my lizard brain to get back under the damned rock. What if I’m not who I they think I am?
Oh, God, the list can go on. In moments of strength, after dancing to one of my power songs or singing along with one of my music heroes or joyfully romping with my dogs and/or husband (!) I totally go for it and am amazed at how easily the truth of my power and potential is expressed. So I need to dance more, sing louder, and romp daily. Will someone please remind me?
The first that jumped to mind is fear of regret. This carries over to so many areas in my life so I want to live big for myself, my family, and also professionally so that I am very satisfied at the end of my life and know I did my best. I fear missing important moments or even big opportunities,
Thanks so much for sharing, Kathy, Kathy and Sharon! I appreciate your bravery and generosity. 🙂
I appreciate it very much, and your comments. In my post, I conveniently avoided sharing some of my own specific fears. My main fear is that I’m so busy capturing the moment that I’m missing it. It’s the classic case of two very important values (preserving and experiencing) being in conflict. I am not striking the right balance and the result is I’m missing much of the present that I’m so concerned about preserving. This is not all of the time, but enough that it weighs heavy on me. I need to commit to putting experiencing first and preserving second. Will someone reading this DARE me to do this? I want to commit to it. 🙂
I auditioned for a play with the Port Angeles Community Players. They put on wonderful productions that we’ve enjoyed since we moved back to PA. Get on a stage, say lines – these with a French accent – and hold up my end of something with actors who are good? Yup, scared. The first night, Snakes on a Plane = Lines on a Stage. BUT I know the director is wonderful and can rely on the rest of the cast. I know this sounds like a big part, but it’s only 20 lines, total time on stage, probably less than four minutes. Still, I’m doing it and loving it! Costume fitting tonight. Opening night April 27. Whatever scares me makes me stronger. Next fear to overcome: SNAKES.