Our Deepest Fear

Who’s watched the movie Coach Carter? Remember this scene?

A powerful passage that frankly took some time for me to understand.

We’re led to believe that failure, darkness, and the boogie man are the sources of fear. It’s hard to deny that. 

Ask 11 year old Ardi about fear after he watched “Don’t Look Under the Bed”. 

That mindset largely stays with us as we grow up. 

Now I may never be able to escape the nightmares that proceed a horror movie, but the fear of failure?

That can be adjusted. Altered even. 

We don’t recognize it but we struggle with the thought of actually accomplishing the thing we’re going after. 

Anxiety tightens its grip when we begin to dream big. 

We think the fear stems from not reaching the dream.  

Nope. 

It’s that we think we’re not worthy of even dreaming that big, let alone getting there. 

It’s crippling, especially because it’s largely subconscious. 

I’m sure you can predict the ensuing domino effect.

Your belief withers away. 

Then your confidence takes a hit. 

And alas, your dream changes its status from ‘low chance’ to ‘impossible’.

The crippling aspect comes from the lack of awareness. After all, it’s subconscious.

In other words, you’re running on a treadmill. 

At least with failure, you adjust, you take the learnings etc. 

This type of fear on the other hand…It lies deep within. So it has to be extracted. 

Here’s how I went about the change. I hope it works for you. 

Adjust your perspective—>Change your present—> Dictate your future. 

Step-by-Step Process to Overcome the Fear of Success

1. Recognize the Fear:

   • Acknowledge that the fear of success is real and often subconscious.

   • Understand that this fear can manifest as self-sabotage or a lack of motivation.

2. Shift Your Mindset:

   • Embrace Marianne Williamson’s idea: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

   • Internalize that you are deserving of success and capable of achieving it.

3. Visualize Success:

   • Spend time each day visualizing yourself achieving your goals.

   • Imagine the positive outcomes and the feelings of accomplishment.

4. Set Achievable Milestones:

   • Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.

   • Celebrate each small victory to build confidence and momentum.

5. Affirm Your Worthiness:

   • Practice daily affirmations that reinforce your worthiness and capability.

   • Statements like “I am capable of achieving great things” can shift your mindset.

6. Surround Yourself with Positivity:

   • Seek out mentors, peers, and environments that support and encourage your growth.

   • Distance yourself from negative influences that may reinforce self-doubt.

7. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool:

   • Understand that failure is a natural part of the journey to success.

   • View each setback as an opportunity to learn and improve, not as a final judgment of your abilities.

8. Take Consistent Action:

   • Commit to taking small steps toward your goals every day.

   • Consistency builds confidence and reduces the overwhelming nature of big dreams.

9. Reflect and Adjust:

   • Regularly reflect on your progress and mindset.

   • Make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your goals and maintain a positive outlook.

10. Seek Professional Support if Needed:

    • Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from coaches or therapists who can help you navigate and overcome deep-seated fears.

One more thing…