Have you ever wanted to do something that has been in your heart for a long time? But you couldn’t do it? It makes your heart beat faster because you know that it’s something you really want to try? Are you waiting for someone’s approval that this is something you should do or you should be doing?
For example, a business you want to start, a course you want to take, or starting a new blog? Etc. There are many reasons why we cannot do the things we love to do. Today, I will be sharing the three main reasons why we hesitate from doing the things we’ve been wanting to do.
Fear
Hello there! It’s always the number one. The top one. FEAR.
Fear is inevitable. Honestly, I am always afraid. I can’t even remember the last time I was brave enough to do something. The only thing I can remember now is the day I needed to push my baby out of my womb. I was brave back then HAHA.
But besides that, I’ve always been scared to pursue what I love, scared to even try, scared to fail. I could hear the negative voices telling me that I cannot do it. But then, I decided once and for all to face it, to face my fear. That even if I am scared, I have to do it scared.
Also, you can trust God’s word on this – when you are afraid, know that God has given you the power to overcome it.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:7
Fear hinders us to do great things. There are these thoughts in our heads that would constantly be telling us that we cannot do it. You’re afraid, I get that. But it is a lie that we cannot do it because we can. You just have to begin, to step on it. Begin somewhere. Just do it!
Starting a new blog
Starting my own blog with my own domain was a step of faith. I was afraid that the things I would write are just non-sense. No one will ever read them. I am just gonna waste my time and my money on this. It’s not gonna work. Yeah?! I feel that all the time. But guess what? Here I am, still blogging. I’ve been on this for a year now (with my own domain, 5 years in total starting with a free one)
I love doing it. Readers or no readers, I will keep doing it. Why? Because I love what I do. I will always come back to the truth that this is something I enjoy doing. So whether I get income from it or not, I will keep doing it. Whether I have readers or if no one will ever visit my site, it’s cool. But of course, it would be great to have some. HAHA. I would appreciate it.
How to overcome your fear?
To overcome the fear, firstly, remind yourself of the purpose of doing it, so you don’t lose track. Secondly, write it/them down in your journal, or on a piece of paper, post it on your table or wall to constantly remind you of the reasons why you are doing it. And thirdly, do it afraid.
One of the reasons why I started a blog is because I could express myself freely. I enjoyed sharing my insights and experiences that would help others who are experiencing the same. However, fear is always present. Fear of being laughed at, being judged, and failing.
People will always have negative feedbacks on what we do, but remember that there are people who will support you all the way. Focus on them. Find that group who would encourage you even if you know deep down your heart that you are doing so bad. HAHA. Yet, they would tell you to keep going.
You are not living for them. Your purpose. huh? Remember that. Don’t lose track. My purpose is to inspire others by doing what I love. And that gives me the courage to keep doing it.
Again, fear is inevitable. You will always feel this, so you might as well do things afraid.
Comparison
“I am a beginner, she is a pro.” If I compare myself to a professional, I would just lock myself up and not do anything at all. Don’t write, you’ll embarrass yourself. As a result, you’ll feel all over your body that you don’t measure up. You’re not good enough. you’re not good at all. Hmmm.
That is to say, you are not gonna do what you love to do. You got stuck there, my friend. Because you compare. It doesn’t work like that. It definitely hinders you to begin somewhere.
After that, you just look down on yourself constantly and basically beat yourself up for not doing or trying the things that you want to do in your life.
So I am here to tell you, my dear friend. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF! Don’t do that.
You’re going there. As you begin somewhere, you will definitely get there. Stop looking at other peoples best when starting out. It could end up as a source of anxiety, insecurity and eventually depression. But use them as tools to inspire you to do the things that you love to do. Look up to them and know that God made you wonderfully, beautifully, and uniquely. You can do it also – uniquely. 🙂
Go back to the purpose.
I’ve been there, and it is not easy to get out of it. We are human, we have feelings. We look down on ourselves, we feel that we can’t make it because we are so busy comparing ourselves to others.
When I started blogging, I noticed that my posts are not as popular as others. One caption, one image and they have thousands of views and likes. Dang! I spent time writing and editing my blog, and then boom. Nada! Nothing! HAHA
However, I go back to my purpose. And when there are one or two who send me messages and comments that they love what I write, that it inspires and encourages them, I feel fine again. Back on track. The likes, followers, and subscribers don’t define you.
I believe that God is the one who put those desires in your heart. He’s been telling you to step on it, have faith, and believe that you can do it through His strength and power.
Created for a Purpose
Additionally, don’t be too hard on yourself. You are created for a purpose. Find your purpose and live with it. Focus on the good things in you. Besides, you are thinking about doing it because you are capable. So, let me clarify this — stop comparing. You are awesome, you can do it! 🙂
Lack of 4DS
We hear this all the time. We need the following to be successful :
- Determination
- Diligence
- Dedication
- Discipline
In other words, we’re just lazy. HAHA. We cannot do the things we love to do or want to do if we don’t have determination, diligence, dedication, and discipline.
I remember writing these down on my journal and planners. I have so many things in my head, things I would love to begin with. But I am lacking all of these all the time. Today, I am motivated. Tomorrow, I don’t want to do anything but browse social media accounts. Sounds familiar? Well, at least I am honest. It is not easy, huh?!
We all know that people become successful because they are determined to finish what they started. They sacrifice many things, they stick to their plan and purpose. Mapapa- ‘sana all’ ka din minsan e!
We are all work in progress. If you want to do the things you love to do, be determined to do them. Sacrifice is also one of the keys. You don’t have a lot of time? Well, make time. We are all given 24 hours a day, let us learn to manage it well. If you need to rest from social media for a while, take your time then, and plan things while away from all that noise.
Work in Progress
I am a work in progress. I write this not because I am perfect enough to acquire all these traits. Of course not! This topic is also a note to self. A challenge for myself. We know that there are things that need to be changed. And I feel like if I talk about them now, I stand accountable to myself – and to my readers – to get better.
One at a time. I would suggest to begin working on discipline. We all need it.
Let’s keep doing the things we love to do. 🙂
Thank you for taking your time reading this. I appreciate it. You have a good day, lovely people!
Marts Valenzuela
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just write your heart out and soon, blog ideas will pile up and you’ll get the hang of it! Cheers to more blog posts!
Princess Leah
Thank you, Marts. 🙂 YEah! I won’t be too hard on myself.