Don’t Let Fear Keep You Down
Sometimes as creatives, we don’t try because we don’t want to fail. But the truth is, if we try, we don’t have to fail and are not likely to fail, but if we don’t try, we do fail by default. Not trying for fear of failure is a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s all how we view ourselves; it’s all about our expectations. We do not have to be mediocre, but if we are at first, then that’s okay. We do not have to view our creative loves as a hobby only, but if we do at first, then that’s okay. We do not have to live and die in midlist or below, but if we are there we can always improve and rise with time. We can excel, most often if we only get out of our own way.
The answer to our failing, or even our fear of failure, is not in the things that are over there, the things that are beyond us, the things we have no control over. The answer is in the things that we have within us, within our very being right now, that make all the difference. We must learn to reexamine ourselves in a new light, to see ourselves for who we really are, to give grace for the areas in which we are lacking. It’s only natural that we take small steps and develop the talents that lurk and are developing within us. At some point, we must have the realization of, and then the reverence for, the special voice that only we can bring.
Often, in movies and books, we’ll hear the heroes say, “Stick with me on this.” Your life is saying the same thing to you: “Stick with me.” Don’t run off trying to be someone else; be yourself. Don’t give up; look at all you have to offer. Don’t compare; nothing and no one compares to you. Don’t expect perfection; we all begin at the same place.
You have everything you need to succeed. You simply need to recognize the value you have, and then plan a path that will share that value. In doing so, you’ll get everything you ever wanted and, I’m pretty sure, much, much more. Start. Don’t wait. It’s only fear that holds you from your dreams.
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