5 basic fears that hold you back from truly living
If you want to be big, think big. It's the simplest formula for success. Sounds easier said than done, because somewhere you also have to believe that big thinking is possible. Having the confidence that you are truly worthy of doing great things. Most people first have to smash through their fears.
The book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (70 million copies sold) is the classic of classics in the field of personal development and success. The truths and wisdoms described by the best man are timeless, the laws and rules are universal. Oh, and those fears, we all have them. In fact, there are six basic fears that can hold you back from making changes in your life. Which ones do you recognize in yourself?
1. The fear of material lack or losing what you currently have.
Yeah, but... if I quit my boring job now, how am I going to pay my mortgage? Yeah, but... if I break up with my partner now, will anyone still come my way? Those who are afraid to take a step back in their lives, in terms of material or relational aspects, cannot take two steps forward either. Sometimes you need to go back to the starting point to be able to grow from there.
2. The fear of criticism
Also known as the what-will-others-think-and-say-about-me fear. The moment you suddenly start to grow, you will often face criticism from your surroundings. ‘Is this really smart? Should you really do this? Do you really think you can make money this way? See all these comments as extra motivation to continue with what you want to achieve. Never let negative and jealous remarks from your environment throw you off course; you have the power to break through this resistance. Do you want to remain mediocre? Or is it your time to shine now? Exactly.
3. The fear of physical pain and illness
Your thoughts have more influence on your life than you think. Say hello to the self-fulfilling prophecy. Those who are most afraid of diseases, accidents, or physical pain are the ones who experience it the easiest. You become what you think. Therefore, it's a better plan to have a positive outlook on life and to be aware that your thoughts influence the outcome of your life.
4. The fear of being rejected or not being liked
The consequence of this fear is that you actually suppress your own personality. Those who want to be liked often make compromises with themselves and others from a kind of ‘primitive instinct’ to survive. Life then revolves around adapting, adapting, and adapting, and erasing oneself, causing you to lose yourself. Do you hear it already? Surviving. So not actually living. Ultimately, you owe it to yourself to take a stand and set boundaries. Only then can people take you seriously for who you really are.
5. The fear of getting old, and stronger: death
From this fear, we often live in a hurry. The I-must-and-must-and-must-do-this-and-that culture. I still want to travel the world. I still want to build a career. I can't just hang out on the couch for a weekend because I get FOMO from everyone who is picking up the fun things again. The fear of dying is the biggest basic fear that holds you back from truly living. Consciously and attentively enjoying how your life is at this very moment: it is an art.
Image: bykirstenvansanten
