Many of us have experienced that gnawing worry of being judged when we're about to embark on something new. We tend to delay or make excuses, fearing that our words might offend someone, whether in a podcast interview, a blog post, or an Instagram caption. But here's the truth we need to embrace: we can't please everyone. There can be no change without doubt, and no business progress without the fear of failure.
So, if you're wrestling with worries about taking the first step, consider these steps to quell those fears:
1. Take a Deep Breath:
When the weight of uncertainty feels overwhelming, take a moment to step back and take a deep breath. Ask yourself, "Why do I need to do this? What if it doesn't work?" Sometimes, a little distance can help you gain a broader and clearer perspective on the challenges you're facing. Let’s take a deep breath!
2. Solve the Problem Logically:
Life is unpredictable, and it's easy to be consumed by doubt and worry when facing the unknown. To ease your anxious heart during challenges, one essential approach is to think logically. Analyze the problem methodically. Identify its root causes, comprehend them, and articulate your understanding. This logical process will enable you to confront life's challenges with greater clarity. For example, if you want to write a blog post about self-care and mental health, but you are unsure about the response it might receive. To address your doubts and worries logically, you can start by researching your target audience's interests and needs. This logical approach will give you the confidence to write the blog post and share it, knowing it's aligned with your audience's interests.
3. Embrace It as a Learning Curve:
Perfection is an illusion, and waiting for it before taking action will keep you perpetually stuck. Instead, embrace the imperfections and missteps as part of your learning journey. We all have those memorable mistakes that stick with us, but they also help us grow and improve. For example, you are planning to host an Instagram live session where you will discuss your personal journey and the mistakes you made in your coaching career. You are worried about sharing these imperfections with your audience. In this case, you can choose to embrace those imperfections and use them as a part of your learning journey. By acknowledging that nobody is perfect and that even experts make mistakes, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and inspire them to learn from their own missteps.
4. Learn to Move On:
After making a mistake, accepting it as part of your learning process is crucial. Learn from it, grow through it, and then move on. Yes, it happened, and yes, it may have impacted your business, but it's in the past. Focus on problem-solving and keep moving forward. For example, you tried a new marketing strategy on Instagram, and it didn't yield the expected results. You might feel discouraged and fear that this mistake will harm your business. To move on, you can acknowledge the setback, learn from it, and then focus on what you can do differently in the future. You can remind yourself that dwelling on the past won't change it, but actively working on solutions and improvements will help your business grow.
Worry has a sneaky way of holding us back, but it doesn't have to be the boss of our dreams and aspirations. By taking a deep breath, addressing challenges logically, accepting your learning curve, and learning to move on, you'll be better equipped to overcome worry and start doing what you're passionate about.