When you think about what you hope and dream to be and do with your life, but can’t fully bring yourself to do it, the excuse always starts with “But I’m afraid if….” That sentence always ends with something that can be overcome, but it all starts with acknowledging and facing that fear.
Our twenties are a decade filled with new responsibilities, challenges and life experiences that are filled with unknown possibilities. Whereas in our teens and through college we experience the same feeling of the unknown, it often comes with a sense of enthusiasm and eagerness. Once we move past that into a new period of maturity and into our twenties, we suddenly become more cautious about that newfound independence. New aspects of reality set in (paying bills, getting a job, finding an apartment, meeting new friends), and with that new reality comes an even greater fear of the unknown.
Out of any emotion, fear is the most powerful one that tends to most easily and frequently cut off a path to success and happiness. It’s a common human fact that we all experience fear about SOMETHING- even in the midst of our Twenties when we’re a lot more naïve, ambitious and eager to take chances. Weather it’s leaving college, finding or changing a job, moving to a new city, leaving behind (or leaving for good) friends, family or a significant other, or anything else that keeps you in a place that hinders you from taking a chance to pursue what feel in your heart, the feeling of fear is something we all feel to some degree, but it takes courage and effort to overcome.
Fear is a common enemy to personal growth, progress and achievement, but the upside is that it can also become your greatest ally- especially in your twenties! No matter what point in your life you may be at, you will always fear the unknown. A lot of times we tell ourselves that it’s easier to just stick with what’s familiar rather than take a chance that might lead to something we will later come to regret. The truth is, every decision you make might lead to that outcome, however, it’s also important to remember that the chances we take could also lead to a significant and fulfilling reward as well.
Life in your twenties will be filled with missteps, mistakes and bad choices no matter how cautious or courageous you are. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be better at this time in life to take the road less traveled and follow your heart, instead of asking yourself “What If…?” later on in life? When you face a choice and you’re experiencing fear, it’s important to look at both sides of the situation. You can choose to not follow your heart and what truly matters to you and think about what might have been, or you can take a risk and see where it leads you. The question you need to ask yourself is “If I face my fear and succeed, won’t that be better than not facing it at all?”
Take a moment and think about one decision you might be facing in your life right now. When you think about that decision, look at both alternatives. For example, let’s say you’re thinking about leaving a job you’re unhappy at and thinking about going back to school for further education, but are hesitant. Now think about both sides to that decision: You can stay at your job that probably provides a steady paycheck and might eventually lead to a promotion, yet still have that feeling of being unfulfilled with your life choice. OR you can take a chance to pursue the degree you’ve always dreamed of that might lead to you living a happier and fulfilling life. When you’re doing something you’re happy doing, you’re more likely to get that steady paycheck and even more than you hoped for!
Acknowledging your fears and facing them regardless of the circumstances takes courage, but it should become a regular habit for every twentysomething. It takes time, but once you do get in the habit of it, you’ll be able to use fear as an ally. Then you’ll be able to know that if you are hesitant to do something and there is a big “but….” In the way that maybe it’s the right thing to pursue, or at least attempt. Just remember that in your twenties you have too many years of the unknown ahead, and as each one passes they might become years of “what might have been.” So today, take a chance on something you’ve been wanting to do for a long time so that “what might have been” doesn’t exist. Acknowledge that something is more important than that fear and have the courage to pursue it!
Wow, this is exactly the message I needed to hear right now. Talk about perfect timing. Thanks.
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