Stepping out of your comfort zone is necessary to grow – but it can also spark a lot of fear. How can we move past that and go after our dreams in spite of that fear?
Why am I feeling fear?
Whatever your dream is, whether it’s to write a book, launch an Etsy shop, learn photography, or a million other possibilities; you’re going to have to make some big moves. And those big moves might feel really, really scary.
They say that in order to get what you’ve never had, you’ll have to do things you’ve never done. One of the biggest things you’re going to have to learn to do is to start before you’re ready, and that triggers a sense of uncertainty or of not being safe.
This isn’t wrong or bad to feel this way; in fact, it’s by design.
When you feel fear about moving toward your goals, remember that fear is not bad. It’s a normal human instinct that keeps us alive. So when you’re doing things that are new, your brain will try to kick into fear gear in an effort to keep you safe in unfamiliar territory. The important thing about fear is to feel it, to recognize that it is good and trying to keep you safe, but to also recognize that there is no real danger in moving forward.
How to move forward when you feel stuck
The next time you’re feeling stuck (feeling stuck in your business might be a low-level form of fear for you, disguised as “perfectionism” or “confusion”… it’s all fear) sit back for a second and evaluate what you’re feeling and why.
Are you worrying about what people might think?
Are you about to hit “publish” but you don’t know if it’s good enough?
Are you afraid of looking dumb?
Those are all real fears, but they are not valid reasons to not do the things you were designed to do.
If people don’t like your art, will you die? Like, actually lose your life. If what you made isn’t perfect, will your life be put in critical danger? The answer is almost always no, unless the thing you made imperfectly is a commercial aircraft or something.
To become the person you want to be, you’ll have to do things you’ve never done. Feel the fear, thank it for its help, assure it your life is not in danger, and move forward anyway.
If you’re ready to make big moves in your life and business, join me over on Facebook in my free community – Creativity Curator – where we’re talking about mindset, life as an entrepreneur and/or creator, tools of the trade, money, products & services, and so much more.
