If we are not aware of our fears and doubts, they certainly will hold us back from making a big difference in the world. The first step to overcoming limiting fears and doubts is to become aware of them. So let’s look at some of the common ones we see people struggle with in our work in Simply Great Lives.
Fears
Here are some common fears people experience when they are wanting to make more of an impact:
- Fear of being visible. This fear is associated with a need for safety and security. It is common for some people who experienced abuse as a child and it was safer to not be seen. Other life experiences can make this fear very real for people.
- Fear of being rejected. This fear comes from our basic human need for love and acceptance. We may ask ourselves things like, “What will people say?” and “What if they think I’m dumb.” Other times, we may be afraid people will say “no” to us and our offer to provide help.
- fear of making mistakes. This fear comes on strong for people who got praise and love for doing things well as a child–grades, good behavior and more. The fear comes up when trying something new. The problem is that we will make mistakes on the journey to more meaning and significance. So it helps to see mistakes as an essential part of the learning process.
Sometimes the fears aren’t as apparent until we get into motion. When an opportunity comes up, the fears have the opportunity to come up, too. When we go to set up a class, ask someone if they are interested in having us as a mentor, or go to write a blog or give a talk, then the fears can come up. We may never really become aware of these fears until we get going.
Doubts
If we are just thinking about making a difference and aren’t moving on it yet, we may experience doubts instead. Hear are some common doubts that keep people from moving in the first place:
- “No one will want to listen to me.”
- “I don’t have anything valuable to offer.”
- “Who am I to try to make a difference?”
- “I’m not that special.”
Part of the work we do in Simply Great Lives is to help people identify what does make them special, what amazing value they have to offer and why people would want to listen to them. We firmly believe that every person has what it takes to make a big difference in the lives of other people. They have life experience and innate qualities and things they’ve learned along the way–all of which can benefit other people.
Working with my own coach, at one point I, too, was struggling with seeing the value I can bring to other people. She had me create a “brag sheet” where I listed all my good qualities, experiences, things I’ve learned and what makes me especially qualified to do this work. I’d share it here, but it’d seem, well, really braggy. Instead, it’s for my own benefit, to see how I can be a blessing to other people. If you’re not sure of the value you can bring, maybe you should start listing out all that good stuff for yourself, too.
So, where are you at? Are you making an amazing difference that’s requiring you to step into a bigger version of yourself to be more of a benefit to other people? Are you wanting to do it, but find fears coming up that are holding you back?Does it sound like a neat idea but you’re doubting how you can really make a difference?
Wherever you’re at, trust me, I understand. I’ve been through it all. If you’d like to talk with us about any fears and doubts that are holding you back, we’d love to be there for you. You can sign up for a free Discovery Session at www.simplygreatlives.com/discover. We would be delighted to support you in becoming the best you you can be so you can be of the best service to other people. It will bring a deep sense of satisfaction because you will know that you loved people well and that your life really did matter.
