Fear. Friend or Foe?
The Star Wars series has won 7 Oscars so far, reeling in over 10 billion dollars in box office sales. However, before all this happened, there was just a boy with a dream. Against all odds, when George Lucas was told to get out of the classroom on his first day of film school, he stayed. Barak Obama, the first of his kind, and an inspiration for those to follow grew up as an immigrant in a country far from his own. Since then he has won over many hearts and governed an incredible nation. Marie Currie, the first woman to have won a Noble prize died at what some may deem a young age pursuing her life’s work.
All these people have one thing in common. They took risks knowing that it would work in their favor or to their demise. In order to truly chase your dreams, you must take risks. Don’t get comfortable. I have learned that you must be uncomfortable to grow and that’s why they’re called growing pains.
As I’m sitting in my living room watching friends, the episode where Rachel and Ross finally get together. I think about the risk they both took in giving it a shot. I then look back at risks I’ve taken and future risks I’ll be brought up against. What you fear the most is what is holding you back. I can’t say this enough because I am afraid of a lot of things in life. But I believe that new opportunities and fear go hand in hand. Here are three things I have learned to remember when caught at this cross-road.
- You learn from your mistakes, better yet grow through them
Whatever the new opportunity is that’s presented to you, you will learn from it. If it turns out for the better, great! If it doesn’t, not great but you have something to take away from it. Believe me, there is always something positive to take away from a negative experience.
2. You won’t know if you don’t try
Better to have loved than not to have loved at all right? Apply for that job, start that new business, invest in the stock market, ask that person out. A study by LinkedIn business shows that women are 16% less likely to apply for a job after viewing it. As a female in tech, I can’t express this enough. Don’t be afraid of failure and do what makes you afraid. Only then will you know what the outcome may be. And may the odds ever be in your favor.
3. What’s meant to happen will happen
Regardless of how bad you want that new job or for something to happen, it’s out of your control. I know a lot of people don’t believe in fate and that’s fair. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but there is a force that pushes you to things you will eventually gravitate towards. There are always better things ahead so don’t be so focused on the single event. Focus on the energy you emit and keep on pushing towards your goals. I always remember that the best is yet to come. Not just on the good days but more importantly on the bad.
Fear can be tiring at times. To think about everything and anything that could go wrong. To both live in the present, the past, and the future. As we think about the successes of Barack Obama, George Lucas, and Marie Currie, we are reminded of the risk they took in believing in themselves making a difference in the world. I hope by reading this you are encouraged, empowered and ready to take new opportunities head-on.
