Fear, Judgment and Action: Rewriting Your Life's Narrative
Ever had a dream of living a life that truly matches your passions and goals? It's natural to worry about the challenges that come with taking action. Fear of judgment and the uncertainty of outcomes can be overwhelming. But here's a thought – have you thought about what might happen if you don't take action at all?
A post shared by Ashok Tankala | Leadership and Executive Coach | Ex-CTO (@ashoktankala)
Recently, I left my job to start my own company and the conversations that followed have been eye-opening. Surprisingly, most voices I've heard are full of encouragement and admiration. Only a few suggested I stick to a job. It's incredible to see how much more support there is for following my dreams than there is for scepticism.
If the fear of judgment is holding you back, remember that it's likely to be much smaller than you think – maybe just 5-10% of people's opinions. And if judgment isn't the issue, keep in mind that the actual consequences of taking that leap are usually much milder than the negative scenarios we imagine.
Another common obstacle is the fear of failure. I was worried about getting clients and not being great at sales. But guess what? I now have two clients. Right now my earnings don't match my previous salary but my current goal is different – it's about gaining freedom, not just money. Plus, even if you stumble, the lessons from failure can be invaluable and help you move closer to your goals over time.
Imagine looking back from your deathbed or retirement, realizing you missed out on chances to start your own venture, explore new paths or learn new skills, all because of fear. This realization can be far more painful than facing temporary setbacks or disapproval from others.