Fear is a natural human emotion. It’s there to protect us, to warn us when danger is near. But when it comes to pursuing our dreams, fear can feel more like a barrier than a safeguard. How many of us have let fear stop us from taking that leap? From starting the business we’ve always dreamed of, asking for that promotion, or sharing our creative work with the world? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: FEAR IS A LIAR! It’s time to stop letting fear dictate the terms of life to you.
Understand That Fear Will Always Be There
One of the biggest misconceptions is that successful people are fearless. They’re not. What they’ve done is learn to act in spite of their fears. Waiting for fear to disappear before you act is a recipe for stagnation. The key is realizing that fear doesn’t go away—it just changes. When you pursue your dream, you might feel fear of failure, fear of rejection, or even fear of success. But that’s okay. It’s not about eliminating fear; it’s about learning to walk alongside it.
Ask Yourself, “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”
Sometimes our fears become larger than life because we don’t take the time to think them through. If you’re afraid of failing, ask yourself: “What’s the worst that could happen?” Maybe you’ll fail, but you’ll also learn valuable lessons. Maybe someone won’t like what you create, but another person might love it. Fear of the unknown often holds us back, but breaking down your fear into realistic possibilities can make it seem less daunting.
Flip the Script: Fear as Fuel
What if you could turn fear into a motivator instead of a barrier? Instead of letting fear paralyze you, use it as fuel. Fear signals that you care deeply about something. It’s often a sign that you’re on the verge of something important. Let that energy push you forward, reminding you that the path of discomfort is often where the magic happens.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One of fear’s favorite disguises is perfectionism. The idea that you have to be flawless before you start can keep you trapped in a cycle of preparation without action. But the truth is, progress is more important than perfection. You don’t have to know every step of the journey; you just need to take the first one. Each small action builds momentum, and soon, you’ll find yourself further along than you imagined.
Surround Yourself with Support
Having a support system is crucial when fear tries to creep in. Whether it’s friends, family, mentors, or fellow dream-chasers, surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. When you start to doubt yourself, they’ll remind you why you started in the first place. A solid support system can help you reframe your fear and give you the courage to keep moving forward.
Let Your Why Be Bigger Than Your Fear
At the end of the day, one of the most powerful ways to overcome fear is to focus on your “why.” Why is this dream important to you? What impact will it have on your life or the lives of others? When your “why” is bigger than your fear, you’ll find the strength to push through the doubt.
Fear is a part of the process, but it doesn’t have to control you. The next time fear tries to stop you from chasing your dreams, remember: FEAR IS A LIAR. Take a deep breath, take that step, and watch how fear begins to lose its power. Your dream is worth it, and so are you. - Tracylynne
About the Author:
Tracylynne is a talented Digital Artist and Photographer with a rich background in television and entertainment. Her impressive career comprises of projects with major networks and studios as a Producer, Set Photographer and Brand Manager, including a notable 7-year tenure at The Oprah Winfrey Show. Support her artistry here: Portraits by Tracylynne