I do struggle from time to time on what to share, what’s appropriate to share, do I know enough to discuss this topic? What if my readers get pissed off or bored with my content? Many questions run through my mind each time I post an article. Then there’s this abated breath that I hold, waiting for some repercussion or complain about what I’ve written. I’ve once confided in my coach that I feel ill-equipped, that sometimes I don’t feel knowledgeable enough.
And I think this goes for many things that we do in life. Be it that email that you feel might be controversial or might ruffle some feathers. It may be that job application you’d like to make but are not sure how and if at all you want to do it. It can be that phone call you know you should make, that you’ve promised yourself you will make over and over. It can be, introducing yourself to someone, but are not sure if you should do it.
Navigating the terrain of uncertainty and self-doubt is a universal experience. The fear of judgment, the apprehension of making a misstep, and the hesitation to take action can often paralyze us from pursuing our goals or expressing ourselves authentically.
Research in psychology sheds light on the commonality of these struggles. The phenomenon of impostor syndrome, for example, reveals that even accomplished individuals frequently doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds. Studies have shown that up to 70% of people experience impostor feelings at some point in their lives, regardless of their actual accomplishments.
Furthermore, the fear of criticism or rejection, known as social anxiety, is deeply ingrained in human psychology. Evolutionarily, we are wired to seek acceptance and avoid social exclusion, making the prospect of disapproval a potent source of anxiety. This fear of negative evaluation can manifest in various contexts, from social interactions to professional pursuits.
The psychological concept of "analysis paralysis" elucidates our tendency to overthink decisions to the point of inaction. When faced with multiple options or uncertain outcomes, we may become overwhelmed by the fear of making the wrong choice, leading to procrastination or avoidance.
In the realm of communication, the fear of speaking out or sharing our thoughts stems from a fear of vulnerability and rejection. The fear of being misunderstood or criticized can inhibit authentic self-expression, leading us to censor or second-guess ourselves before sharing our ideas with others.
The cure to this analysis paralysis is action. I don’t think you can ever be 100% sure about everything. Yes, there are some things you will know beyond a reasonable doubt that you want to do, but for the majority of things, you’ll have to just make a decision. It is said that if you need to fail, fail faster. When you fail faster, you have the chance and time to correct it rather than procrastinate until you have no room for error.
Vulnerability and imperfection are integral parts of the human experience and can liberate us from the paralyzing grip of self-doubt. Research by Brené Brown, a renowned vulnerability researcher, emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability as the pathway to genuine connection and personal growth. Accept to be vulnerable to criticism and other vices you fear, and chances are, they’ll hardly ever come. The majority of the things we fear the most will never come to pass.
In conclusion, acknowledging and confronting our indecision and inherent fears is essential for personal and professional development. By cultivating self-awareness, challenging limiting beliefs, and embracing vulnerability, we can transcend our fears and pursue our aspirations with confidence and authenticity. Remember, it's okay to feel uncertain or afraid; what matters is how we choose to respond to these feelings and continue moving forward despite them.
So, what's holding you back? Just do it. Fail faster!
