What are you afraid of that is keeping you from reaching your full potential? Fear is natural, it is part of our bodies fight or flight response. A natural instinct to let us know that a situation or action might be dangerous or detrimental to our wellbeing. Fear can often cause you to rethink an unsafe act or decision? For instance, some people are afraid of heights so they don’t go free jumping off of cliffs. People who have overcome poverty, and are afraid of going back, often try to make smarter financial decisions or budget their money very well. Fear can also be crippling. Is fear crippling you from taking that next step in your relationship, professional life, or your life in general?
Are you afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone? Is that why you won’t accept or apply for that great job in a new city? Are you afraid of failing? Is that why you won’t put in for that promotion you deserve or try anything new? Are you afraid to be broke? Is that why you won’t quit your job and follow your passion? Are you afraid to be alone? Is that why you put up with things from your girlfriend or boyfriend that you know you don’t deserve? What are you afraid of that’s keeping you from reaching your full potential?
I’m afraid that I’m not good enough. That no matter what I do, it won’t be enough. I’m not good enough for anyone and don’t deserve to be happy in a relationship. I’m intelligent and great at my job, but somehow I might not be quite smart enough. These are all real fears that I deal with on a daily basis. I’m sure your fears are real too, and they challenge you often. These fears only stop you from reaching your full potential if you let them.
Fear can also be a great motivator. We must begin to act out of courage, using our fearto push us to new heights. Instead of not applying for that job because you are afraid to leave your comfort zone; Apply for that job and know that if you get it, this new uncomfortable place will be great for your growth and development. Instead of not putting in for that promotion, put in for it, and have the courage and belief to know that you deserve it and will excel. Instead of not pursuing your passion and staying in a job you hate; develop a plan for yourself and create a realistic timeline. That way if you do have to quit your job, you can still provide for yourself until your passion starts to provide for you the way you want it too. Instead of putting up with things you don’t deserve from your partner; you can leave and trust that you will find someone who values you and treats you like you deserve to be treated.
Operating out of fear can hold us back from reaching our true potiental. I know my fears and everyday I work to conquer them by operating in courage. I try to tell myself daily that I am good enough, and it reflects in my attitude. I carry myself like I belong, and I deseve to be here. I work hard at my job, turn in credible products and work daily to constantly improve my technical knowledge. Don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your full potiential. Take it one day at a time, and know that you have the courage to reach your fulliest potiential.
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Sometimes fear can be masked behind traditions and beliefs. For a long time I didn’t purchase a home because I thought or felt that was something you do when you are in a stable marriage because everyone i knew, traditionally waited until they were married before they purchased a home. I finally had to “man” up and make some decisions, because it was costing me more to rent than to pay a mortgage. I was afraid that if I had a mortgage that I wouldn’t be able to sell my home right away IF I were to at some point get married. The funny thing is, the fear I was operating in had no timeline. I have no idea when or if I’m getting married. So all the plans I have outlined for marriage may very well not happen. So I started making decisions for me. I purchased a home. I traveled more (using the money I was saving for a future wedding). I started enjoying life more for me instead of anticipating a situation that may not happen.
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Sometimes, saying that I’m afraid is what I am afraid of. Admitting to the fact that I have vulnerable parts of me sometimes weighs me down. As a black woman, I was taught to be strong & stand up for those who are weak – but who stands up for me in my weak moments? I can sometimes even be afraid to speak up knowing I should because it could potentially help someone else. I overcome this fear by taking daily steps in not apologizing for who I am or who I was called to be. Once I discovered my purpose in life, I had to run after it even though my fears sometimes chase me to shut my mouth. I depend on God to be my refuge in my weak moments & I realize that I have come too far to let fear stop me from reaching my full potential.
Great blog sir. Very thought provoking.
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