How Fear Stops You From Setting Goals And How To Get Passed It

Deep down, you likely have a clear vision of what you aspire to achieve. Yet, the fear of rejection, failure, anxiety, and other concerns might be preventing you from setting goals.

In fact, fear is a primary reason why many people avoid goal-setting altogether.

In this article, we will explore several strategies to help you confront and overcome your fears and doubts, enabling you to pursue and attain your goals.

Understanding The Nature of Fear and Doubt

Before we delve into overcoming fear and doubt, it’s important to understand their nature. Fear and doubt are natural human responses to uncertainty and the unknown. They can act as self-preserving mechanisms that prompt caution in potentially dangerous situations. However, when these feelings become pervasive and debilitating, they can prevent us from pursuing our ambitions and realizing our potential.

The Root of Fear: Anticipated Pain

The fear of rejection, failure, or judgement can often stem from an anticipation of emotional or psychological pain. The human brain is wired to avoid pain. So, it’s understandable that when we perceive the potential for such pain in our endeavours, we hesitate or withdraw.

The Grip of Doubt: The Power of Negative Thinking

Doubt can be described as the lack of confidence or the feeling of uncertainty about one’s capabilities, potential, or worth. It often manifests as negative self-talk and pessimistic thinking, which further feeds into the fear and can become a cycle that is hard to break free from.

Overcoming Fear: The Power of Affirmations

“Think about the software on your smartphone. It requires updates for better functionality. Affirmations are a way to do that for ourselves,” she says.

To shift from old internal “software,” we can leverage the power of affirmations. This change will allow us to let go of fear and doubt and fully embrace confidence. Valentin’s practical advice in her book, The Everyday Actor, has aided many on-camera talents to overcome confidence or self-doubt blocks and allow themselves to be seen in front of the camera.

She recommends some effective techniques for using affirmations:

1. Stay Present: Affirmations should be present tense. As Valentin puts it, “There is only now and when we affirm what is true in the now, it is more palatable for us.”
2. “I AM” Statements: Begin and end your day with powerful “I AM” statements. Writing them down and going through the list out loud every day helps instill the belief.
3. “YOU ARE” Statements: “YOU ARE” statements said while looking at yourself in the mirror and maintaining a superhero body posture can be powerful for reprogramming old thought patterns.

By putting these affirmations around your house or writing them in your journal, and repeating them every day, you start to reprogram your thoughts and, in turn, your behavior. This positive shift in your self-perception can support your goals and your livelihood.

For more on Lisann Valentin’s coaching techniques, visit her website at LGValentin.com.

Getting Over Doubt: Take Actions To Rebuild your Confidence

Now that you understand how to begin dismantling your fears through affirmations, it’s time to initiate action. This is a strategy that has helped me greatly over the last couple of years. If you have been held captive by these fears for an extended period, you might not have pursued your desires for years (what I went through). This prolonged inaction could have significantly diminished your self-trust. Now is the moment to rebuild it.

To overcome self-doubt, the key lies in taking action. However, this action does not involve taking wild, uncertain swings and hoping for the best. Rather, it involves committing to a specific goal-setting process and consistently taking small, daily steps towards the achievement of that goal. Don’t confuse this with setting low goals for yourself that do not challenge you. Goal-setting should involve pushing yourself to the limit and working your way up towards success.

Other Things That Could Help Get Passed Your Fears and Doubts

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness can bring your attention back to the present moment, reducing anxiety about future events or past failures.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and boost your mood, making it easier to face your fears.

Building a Support Network:

Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can provide a safe space for you to share your fears and doubts, and receive encouragement.

Journaling

Writing about your fears and doubts can provide clarity and can serve as a therapeutic outlet.

Seek Help from a Professional

If you find that fear and doubt are significantly hindering your ability to set and pursue your goals, it might be beneficial to seek help from a professional. Psychologists, counselors, and life coaches are trained to help you navigate these feelings and provide you with the tools to manage them effectively.

They can offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your fears and doubts, and work with you to develop personalized strategies and actionable plans for overcoming them. Additionally, they can provide you with ongoing support and guidance as you take steps towards your goals.

Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help; instead, it’s a proactive step towards self-improvement and personal growth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you need it; your future self will thank you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fear and doubt are not roadblocks, but rather signposts on the journey to self-improvement and goal achievement. Recognizing their roots, confronting them with powerful affirmations, and following through with consistent, targeted action are essential steps towards overcoming these feelings.

By engaging with these strategies, we can reprogram our internal narratives, rebuild self-trust, and move confidently towards our goals. Remember, each step you take is a stride towards becoming a better version of yourself.