Everyone is afraid of something. However, it's how you approach that fear that really matters. If you hide from your fear then you may be holding yourself back.
This can then lead to regret later.
Whether you are wanting to tackle your debt, you want to leave a job you hate, you want to travel the world, and so on, you need to overcome the fears associated with these goals in order to have a successful life.
If you are fearful of something, then having an action plan can help you overcome your fear. You most likely don't just want to jump into anything big without a plan. I'm all about game plans 🙂
Below are 10 things you should stop being afraid of so that you can learn how to be rich, happy, and successful (or whatever you want to be!). I have also included some of your fears below that some of you shared with me on Twitter recently.
@SenseofCents Fear of burn out & losing sense of priorities
— 317537 (@lintacious) November 18, 2014
@SenseofCents Rejection is typically the most paramount thing holding me back. And money, as you have experienced w/ your own debt. 🙂 — Megan Harris (@MHarrisEditor) November 18, 2014
1. You shouldn't be afraid of what people think.
If I let the opinions of others stop me from doing things, I would probably be hiding in a closet and never leave my house. This is completely different from how I used to be. Now I don't care at all about what others think and I couldn't be happier.
You shouldn't let the opinions of others affect you. Like I always say “WHO CARES!”
Why should the opinions of others matter to you? All that should matter is what is right for you. Everyone is different.
2. Don't be afraid of the unknown.
You'll never know what will happen when you start taking actions to reach your goal.
No one does.
What you can do though is make a realistic plan for what may happen once you start taking steps to reach your goal. This may make the whole thing much more relaxing and less stressful.
For example, if you want to leave your job for something else, one thing you might want to do is to make sure you have a well-funded emergency fund. This way if it takes you a little longer to find your dream job or dream life, then you can have your emergency fund there to help ease some of the stress. Related posts: Making The Decision To Leave Your Job and How To Become Financially Stable and Keep The Job You Love.
3. Stop being afraid of failure.
Yes, failure sometimes happens. However, you won't know if you suck at reach your goal unless you try.
Wouldn't you rather know that you tried something instead of wondering decades later if your idea would have worked?
4. You shouldn't be afraid of a goal taking a long time.
Some goals may take just one month to reach, whereas other goals may take years or even decades. There is nothing wrong with that, and you shouldn't be afraid as long as you believe the goal is worthwhile.
If a goal took one day or one week, is it really much of a goal anyways?
5. You shouldn't be afraid of being too old or too young.
No matter what your age is, you can still have goals. You're never too young or too old to look for a better job, to travel the world, to save for retirement, and more.
Don't let your age stop you from leading a rich, happy, and successful life.
6. Don't be afraid of being successful.
When some people become successful and reach their goals, they sometimes start feeling guilty.
Yes, I know, this might seem weird. However, I understand this.
Sometimes I really dislike talking about how great life is and how much I love my business to my friends and family members. I often feel guilty but I just need to remember that a mixture of luck and hard work led me to where I am. Everyone has their down points and I had them as well.
7. Stop being afraid of your past.
Just because you may have failed at something in the past, does not mean that you can never aim for any goals in life. I know people who have completely given up with reaching for hard goals because they weren't successful in the past.
If you have failed in the past, then you should use these mistakes as learning tools for the future.
8. Don't be afraid of hard work.
Great things in life will usually require a lot of work. It wouldn't be much of a goal if it was just handed to you.
You might have to work long hours, work your brain like you never have in the past, handle multiple jobs, provide support for your family, take classes and more.
Just because it is hard does not mean you should give up.
What are you afraid of? What are some of the goals you have in life?
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G says
November 19, 2014 at 2:44 amCompletely agree with this post
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:35 amThanks 🙂
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
November 19, 2014 at 3:01 amFear doesn’t shut me down; it wakes me up. C’mon people, let’s face it and see what we can become and achieve.
Emily @ Simple Cheap Mom says
November 19, 2014 at 9:43 amI just got Four from the library then re-watched divergent. So this cracks me up a little.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:49 amHa sounds like I need to watch both of these!
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:47 amWhat are you working towards right now Jayson?
How To Save Money says
November 19, 2014 at 4:13 amFailure would be the top hindrance for me. I know that it’s a part of life but it still doesn’t make it any less scary.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:48 amYes, failure can be scary but you won’t know until you try.
Kemkem says
November 19, 2014 at 4:37 am“Fear is the mind killer”. I don’t know who said it originally, but heard it on an old BiGod 20 song. It kind of changed my thinking. Whenever l feel fearful about something, l find myself humming the song. I let the fear wash over me, then l do whatever it is anyway. If it works out, fine. If it doesn’t , l find another way. I think that, plus getting older, where you feel a bit more confident helps a lot. Great post!
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:50 amThanks! Sounds like you have a great method. What are you currently working towards right now?
Kemkem says
November 19, 2014 at 12:14 pmI’m not ashamed to say l am happy, have had success in my career, and are well off, but l worked for a long..long, long time. Now, l am enjoying the fruits of said labour. This statement could not have been made circa 2008 when everything went to s***t. I am currently writing an ebook on moving. I’m pretty calm about it though.. 🙂 .
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 12:28 pmThat’s awesome that you are happy. Congrats 🙂
moneystepper says
November 19, 2014 at 5:28 amFear of the unknown was a difficult one for me to face.
Before I quit the daily grind, I had a defined career progression plan within my company and knew pretty much where I would be in 1, 2 or 5 years.
However, after moving into the world of an entrepreneur I literally don’t know where I’ll be next week, never mind next year!
The way I got over it – I decided that this was actually a good thing. Who wants to know where they’ll be in 5 years. If you know, it pretty much means the next 5 years will be boring and linear, right? Who wants that?
*At least that is what I’m telling myself…*
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:00 amHaha I agree. You never know what life will be like. I never would have thought just 2 years ago that my life would be how it is today. Life is crazy and you just never know!
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
November 19, 2014 at 6:18 amBeing afraid of success is something I really don’t understand, but see in people all the time!
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:01 amThe guilt part is often what gets me. I feel guilty, and other people sometimes like to make me feel guilty as well – almost as if I owe them…
Joseph Hogue says
November 19, 2014 at 6:31 amSo true. I think uncertainty was a big thing for me. Much easier to stick with the ‘known’ 9-to-5 than to strike it out on something far less certain.
Fear is a tough thing to overcome, especially without help. It’s an irrational emotion so it’s not always possible to see the rational decision. I’ve found that you can either take small steps to overcome it (instead of one giant leap) or seek the advice of a friend to provide a rational outlook.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:02 amYes, uncertainty is a big one. I wasn’t sure how self-employment would go for me, so one day I just had to turn in my resignation without really thinking because I knew I wouldn’t do it otherwise.
Mr. Frugalwoods says
November 19, 2014 at 6:51 amThe fear of being successful is a big one. I feel guilty sometimes for being where I am in my career and financial life. Have I worked hard? Yes. But I also benefit from some overwhelming structural advantages in our economy. And I’ve had a lot of lucky breaks.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:03 amYes, this is exactly how I feel! I worked hard, but of course some luck and great timing is mixed in as well.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
November 19, 2014 at 7:03 amI like this post! I like to think I am not afraid of anything when it comes to being successful, but I know that certain fears hold me back at times.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:03 amThanks Holly! What fears are currently holding you back?
Sarah says
November 19, 2014 at 7:09 amGreat read!! My husband and I are new to investing and recently we decided we want to get a house to flip. I am TERRIFIED of this. We could lose our savings if things didn’t go as planned which would be awful. But it’s a risk we do both want to take. We did decide to build up our savings a little bit more and get to know the market as much as we can before buying, so hopefully when it does come time to buy my fears will be slightly alleviated.
Thanks for the great post!!
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:04 amYes, building up your savings is a great way to alleviate some of the stress that is associated with your goal. Good luck with that! When do you think you will buy a house to flip?
Natalie @ Financegirl says
November 19, 2014 at 8:02 amI think another one is being afraid of being rich (sort of similar to being successful). If you are afraid of being rich or you can’t admit that you want to be rich, how do you ever expect to attain massive wealth? I think there’s a negative stereotype against wealth, which is unfortunate.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:05 amYes, that is a definite fear that many have. Its sad. Being wealthy shouldn’t have such a negative stereotype.
kay ~ lifestylevoices.com says
November 19, 2014 at 8:11 amI ain’t afraid a nuthin’! … is what I’d like to say. The reality is, we’ve been broke and in debt, VERY broke and in BIG TIME debt, and we work really hard to fight the fear of ending up there again. There are many things we’d like to try, but it’s a challenge to get over the doubt.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:06 amThanks Kay for stopping by today! What are some of the many things you would like to try?
Petrish @ Debt Free Martini says
November 19, 2014 at 8:32 amThis post is awesome. I am getting ready to retire from the military and I needed to read this. Thanks. Consider me to be officially motivated…..
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 10:06 amThanks Petrish! Glad I could motivate you 🙂
Nicola says
November 19, 2014 at 1:20 pmThis is a great piece. I’m afraid it’ll all go wrong and I’ll end up with nothing! And, I guess, the unknown. I know, at the moment, that if I go to work every day then I get a pay check at the end of the month, every month on the same date. I’ve never had a job where there was an unknown in terms of pay, really. But, I am working on the things that are holding me back; thanks for sharing these tips.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 1:22 pmThanks Nicola. What goal are you currently working towards?
Melanie @ Dear Debt says
November 19, 2014 at 1:49 pmI think the two main things holding me back are that I’m afraid of failure and that I fear I’m “too old” (which is really silly – I’m only 30!). But battling those fears and self-doubt can make you stronger!
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 1:56 pmGirl, you are not too old. 30 is young so don’t ever let that hold you back!
Jenny says
November 19, 2014 at 2:34 pmGreat post with equally great insight. The thing that probably holds me back the most is failure. I’m a perfectionist, and tend to expect A LOT out of myself. I realize there’s nothing wrong with having high standards, but expecting perfection is not realistic. Still working on accepting that!
Jenny
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 2:39 pmGood job on realizing your fear and what you need to work on. It all starts there!
Jason says
November 19, 2014 at 3:45 pmExcellent post. You would be surprised at how many people don’t have a plan and let the majority of these things hold them back.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 3:52 pmThanks Jason!
Mia says
November 19, 2014 at 3:57 pmI love all of these! I always have to remind myself about number 1. I think as I’ve gotten older it’s easier to truly embrace that, but it’s part of my personality so definitely something I need to make a conscious decision to do.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 4:00 pmThanks Mia!
Shannon @ Financially Blonde says
November 19, 2014 at 4:36 pmI have definitely been afraid of both failure and rejection to the point that it paralyzed me. It is scary to tackle our fears, but when we do, I think there is no greater feeling.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 4:51 pmThere is definitely no greater feeling! I have a post about a recent fear I tackled going live this Friday, so be sure to come back for that 🙂
Emma Healey says
November 19, 2014 at 5:13 pmI think fear of failure coupled with what other people think – basically if I fail I don’t want the world to know about it! I’d much rather just sulk in a corner on my own, ya know? But if I’m successful, I’m fine with other people thinking I’m weird for pursuing lofty and maybe unrealistic dreams.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 5:25 pmI get what you mean. However, you shouldn’t care what they think! 🙂
Brooke says
November 19, 2014 at 8:23 pmI would say I am pretty fearless according to this list : ). I find my key to successful is turning a dream into a goal, and then break it down into actionable steps. Then I just got to be motivated to keep it going. My main goal I’m roadblocked on is fitness — just not making that a high enough priority to translate into action.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:09 pmYay glad you are fearless! 🙂
Kim says
November 19, 2014 at 8:37 pmI am certainly not afraid of success or hard work or even things taking a long time, but I always have that fear of failure in the back of my mind. It’s not bad enough to keep me from trying to reach my goals, so I guess a little fear is a good thing.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:14 pmYeah, a little fear is normal. Fear of failure is something that used to hold me back a lot but not anymore!
Kasia says
November 19, 2014 at 9:12 pmMy biggest fear, and the silliest, is worrying about what people think. It’s impossible to please everyone so there’s no point in trying but it shouldn’t be a reason not to go out and achieve your goals and dreams. Then there’s the fear of success, if I do succeed, what happens next?
I’ve been wanting to write novels since I was ten. In the past I’ve written them and then chucked them in the bin in fear of what people might think. A few weeks ago, I finally gave a trusted friend who’s also a teacher, my first six chapters to critique. I’m going to announce my authors website on FB at the end of the year, and I’m planning to self-publish in 2015.
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 9:15 pmWow that is awesome! I want to read your book! 🙂 Good job! Sorry, lots of exclamations here haha.
Sarah says
November 19, 2014 at 10:40 pmI am defiantly guilty of 5 and 6. I’ll be 30 next year and I defiantly feel “too old” for certain things. I’m not where I thought I would be financially at 30 and that is really eating at me. I’m also guilty of 6 for strange reasons. Almost like a subconsciously like failure. I opened an Etsy shop that was hugely successful and I let it fall to the wayside. I opened a teacherspayteachers shop that was also successful and I let it fall to the wayside. If I would stick with something I would probably be better off financially, but every time I find success in something my brain shuts down and fights me at every turn. :/
Michelle S. says
November 19, 2014 at 11:12 pmI really think you need to face your fear and fully understand why you run away from a successful idea. Have you ever looked into a business or life coach? They may be able to help you with that.
Sarah says
November 20, 2014 at 12:03 amI haven’t, but that’s a good idea. I defiantly need to figure out what my subconscious is doing (and why).
Michelle S. says
November 20, 2014 at 12:39 amYeah I’ve heard great success stories with people who have coaches. I’ve been thinking about getting one myself as well.
Sandra Mercier says
November 20, 2014 at 7:38 amthanks for your sharing. I’m opening my mind
Michelle S. says
November 20, 2014 at 10:40 amWelcome Sandra!
Jon @ Money Smart Guides says
November 20, 2014 at 7:53 amFor a long time when I was younger, I always did things and acted in a way based on others. I eventually learned that this was pointless as it is my life. I have to do what makes me happy, not others. Ever since then, I have been much happier and more successful. Stop worrying about others – it’s your life, live it on your terms.
Michelle S. says
November 20, 2014 at 10:41 amPerfectly said 🙂
Sally says
November 20, 2014 at 10:53 amI really like number 8 and I would add for myself “Fear of getting started”. Sometimes sending that first email, taking that first steps takes me way longer than I care to admit. I know that once I start, I can do it, but I let myself be held back by never starting.
Michelle S. says
November 20, 2014 at 11:19 amYes, that’s a common fear as well. Looks like I need to do a part 2 to this post!
Michelle says
November 20, 2014 at 2:34 pmI loved this post Michelle! You’ve totally touched on the psychology behind what allows us to achieve…or not.
Michelle S. says
November 20, 2014 at 6:27 pmThanks Michelle!
Lisa says
November 21, 2014 at 1:34 pmAs much as I don’t like admitting it, I’m incredibly afraid of failure. I always think “Oh, I would be so good at this” or “I’d do a great job at that’, but I never actually execute because I’m just too scared to try. I guess the fear of the unknown is in there, too.
Michelle S. says
November 24, 2014 at 9:26 amYou should stop being afraid and just try!
Kathleen says
November 24, 2014 at 9:14 amMy biggest fear right now is failing nursing school :(. But, am taking every necessary step to make sure that doesn’t happen….. although I tend to struggle with procrastination.
Michelle S. says
November 24, 2014 at 9:27 amI’m sure you will be fine Kathleen. You are doing well 🙂