So it stands to reason that I should stretch my fear muscles more often to ensure that I am re-shaping and defining them. Warming up and regularly stretching will also reduce the risk of injury to my pride and my self esteem. Stretching my fear muscles will also make me stronger and more capable because practice makes perfect.
With that in mind, I bundled up several links to some of my favourite posts and an article that I'd written and sent it zinging out into cyber space for someone to read, critique and decide whether they like me or not. All with the aim to write for another web site, a quite popular one. My fear muscle was stretched tight as I hit the submit button.
It wasn't that I was worried that they might not like my stuff. I was more worried that they actually might like it and then I'd have to write something original and witty on a regular basis. I'd have to perform on cue, when required.
Is that silly or what? Not just fear of rejection but fear of success also.
How often do we risk injuring ourselves because we're too scared to stretch that old fear muscle. We may not have enough belief in our ability to do the job, or worse we're afraid we might have to actually do what we say we can do and prove ourselves.
The best advice must surely be, regular daily stretching and keeping the following things in mind.
- Warm up first - don't just dive into stretching the fear muscle, slow and steady progress is recommended.
- Focus on a pain-free stretch - it shouldn't hurt to stretch your fear muscle, it can be scary but never painful.
- Relax and breathe freely - go with it, relax and feel comfortable about what you're doing
- Stretch before and after activity - feel the fear and do it anyway
So what have you done lately that's made you flex your fear muscles?
Cheers, Fi
If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness ~ Les Brown
I completely relate to the fear of success and having to perform on cue. I've had that same thought several times. Good luck to you! When will you hear back?
ReplyDeleteToday I am going for a job interview. If I get the job I will be teaching high school English. The principal actually called me when she got a hold of my resume from another school in their district and told me I was qualified for the position. I had no idea! I haven't set foot in a high school classroom since I graduated 20 years ago. I will definitely be flexing my fear muscle if I get offered this job!
Karen - not sure when I'll hear back, the quirks of online submissions. High school english - my fave subject. Stretch that fear muscle my friend and best of luck
Delete"I was more worried that they actually might like it and then I'd have to write something original and witty on a regular basis. I'd have to perform on cue, when required."
ReplyDeleteExactly! And then I think, who do I think I am? ; ) Vicious circle....
So glad that I'm not the only one who thinks this way :-)
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