Fear Happens!
Fear is a funny thing. It can be something that either holds you back or motivates you… I guess it just depends on the situation at hand. But more often than not, the biggest thing that I hear from artists and entertainers that is holding them back is fear. Fear of rejection, fear of self promotion, fear of failure, or having imposters syndrome.
I can assure you that if you are feeling any of these, you are not alone. In fact, you would be surprised at not only the amount of people feeling this but also who is feeling this way. Even those that are very successful in their endeavors have these fears creep up on them.
We fear these things because it threatens our sense of safety and security with all the unknowns that are ahead of us. We worry about what others will think of us, and we dread the emotional pain that comes with falling short of our expectations. These concerns can be so overwhelming that they prevent us from even trying in the first place. It is something we all grapple with at some point, so the big question here is, how do we overcome it?
I think to start that conversation, we have to remember what impacts letting fear win over us creates:
Missed Opportunities: When we're afraid to fail, we often avoid taking risks, which means we miss out on valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Stagnation: The fear can lead to a state of inertia where we stay in our comfort zones, unwilling to push our boundaries or explore new horizons.
Low Self-Esteem: Repeated experiences of avoiding challenges can erode our self-esteem and self-confidence, making it even harder to face our fears.
Regret: In the long run, we're more likely to regret the things we didn't do because of our fear of failure than the things we attempted and didn't succeed in.
So, what are some of the things we can do to overcome these fears?
Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of seeing failure as a negative outcome, view it as a valuable learning experience. Each failure brings new insights and lessons that can help you grow and succeed in the future.
Set Realistic Goals: Break your larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Achieving these smaller milestones will boost your confidence and reduce the fears.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Understand that your abilities and intelligence are not fixed. With effort and practice, you can improve and learn from your mistakes.
Face Your Fears: The only way to conquer the fear is to confront it head-on. Start by taking small, calculated risks and gradually work your way up to bigger challenges.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, a mentor, or a coach about your fears. They can provide encouragement, advice, and a fresh perspective on your situation.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Concentrate on the journey rather than fixating solely on the end result. By embracing the process, you'll reduce the pressure you put on yourself.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone fails from time to time, and it doesn't make you any less valuable or capable. And most importantly, trust yourself!
I hope this resonates with you, and you can find ways to overcome your fears; it doesn't have to control your life. By working on strategies to overcome it, you can unlock your full potential and I am sure you have some amazing things to offer this world! Embrace fear as a teacher, not an enemy, and remember that every setback is a stepping stone toward your ultimate success.
**If you would like help working through these strategies, I am an Artist and Entertainer Coach! Let’s work together in overcoming these, and finding new ways for you to move ahead in your endeavors! Message me to get started.
