June 23, 2025

For years, I believed fear was my problem.  I would ask myself, What if I fail? What if this isn’t my area of strength? I would make all kinds of excuses to convince myself not to try.   Then came a moment that I won’t forget. I was offered a new role at work. An opportunity anyone would be excited to have. But instead, I panicked. I wondered why me? Was I set up to fail? I declined the position out of fear, telling myself I wasn’t qualified. That experience shook me.It got me thinking…   For the first time, I asked myself: Was fear the problem—or was I just thinking the wrong way? Looking back now, I regret missing that opportunity, but I’ve learned from it. And I know better now.   The Mindset Shift  Missing that opportunity made me realize I needed to work on my mindset. I can’t keep missing out on opportunities due to my limiting beliefs. While my boss saw potential in me, I didn’t see it in myself.   Fear Wasn’t the Problem—My Mindset Was I didn’t realize all the while that I had spent so much time fearing failure that I never stopped to ask: Are these fears rooted in truth—or just beliefs I’ve repeated too often?   How I Work on My Mindset (Step by Step)   1. I Consume Mindset-Shifting Content  Books have been my anchor on this journey, and one I would recommend is “Mindset” by Carol Dweck. It changed something in me. I also listen to podcasts, webinars, and teachings that help me think differently. I have stopped seeing fear as a stop sign. Now, I acknowledge it as an opportunity for growth.   2. I Am Replacing Negative Self-Talk With Positive Beliefs Each time the thought comes: “I’m not ready,” I quietly replace it with “I’ll figure it out as I go.” “What if I fail?” I tell myself, “What if I succeed?” These shifts may be small,  but they make a huge difference.   3. I Have Started Taking Action—Even While Still Scared I’ve stopped waiting for perfect conditions. I show up anyway. I embrace the “act first, confidence follows” approach. And guess what? The more I pushed through fear, the smaller it became.   The Biggest Lesson I Learned Fear won’t disappear—but its power over you can. The difference between the old me (who avoided risks) and the current me (who takes them despite fear) comes down to one thing: I don’t let fear make decisions for me anymore. Even when the voice whispers, “What if you fail?” I answer back: “Then I’ll learn. And I’ll try again.”   Final Thought: Is Fear Holding You Back If you’re stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, ask yourself: Are you truly not capable? Or have you been convinced that you’re not? The answer might change everything. Because the right mindset doesn’t erase fear—it gives you the courage to move forward.