Success Lies Just Beyond Your Worst Fears
I don't like wasps. I'm not too good with heights, although flying in an airplane never seems to bother me. And I sometimes worry that in the event of a zombie apocalypse, in the shape I'm in, I'm toast.
But the fear that holds me back the most in life... is the fear of YOU.
Or to put it another way, it's the fear of people.
If you're like me - and a majority of the people reading this will be - you don't like confrontation. You draw back from criticism. And you instinctively avoid uncomfortable situations.
Here's the problem with that, though. I'm a public speaker (a pastor, to be exact, which brings its own set of fears). And I'm a blogger and a writer. And I'm a marketer.
And when you're any of those things, you pretty much have to put yourself out there. You have to speak, to write, to send emails that hopefully get read by people.
And when people read what you write or listen to what you say, they're going to make some judgments. They'll assess you. And sometimes, they'll give voice to their assessments.
The easy thing to do is to hold back. To be silent. To stop writing. To never pitch an idea, sell a product, or call anyone to an action that might be uncomfortable for them.
The hard thing to do is to keep on influencing. To keep on trying to move needles, serve people, and make good stuff happen for the world around you.
I've been at this adulting thing for a couple of decades now, and this is still an issue for me. I still struggle with this fear. But I'm way better than I once was.
Now, I don't mind speaking from a place of conviction and passion. I don't mind getting honest about what's going on in my head and my heart. And I don't mind making recommendations and giving advice and counsel, even when it isn't popular.
Your success lies just beyond your biggest fears. It's a guarantee. And I hope you won't let your fear hold you back and keep you smothered. Instead, I hope you'll get your message out there. Share your story. Issue a challenge. Call people to action.
Because your success is ultimately good for everyone around you.
Recent Comments
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This is so true. years ago I feared people would think I should know a lot more instead of starting at square one. So I decided to fake my way through. Yep I made a few dollars but I cant even imagine what I would be doing now if I would have started at kindergarten and worked my way through college in WA.
this was a great post. everyone should read it. Also very well written.
thank you
Well written Brandon. Those people can be impressed wit effective effort. I learned that in my first class in extempore speaking!
I like this post very much Pastor because we share a lot in common. You've just spoken on my behalf and I totally understand what you say.
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Excellent! I'm preparing to embark on a journey that will put me at the front of the room, and it can be just as exciting as it can be frightening to consider. Needed to see this today!
Awesome to hear! Have fun with your new adventure!