Afraid to Change: dealing with the fear of criticizm

It is my belief that the greatest fear for people not moving forward in their attempts at a better life, or life change is the fear of criticism. Most people hate being criticized. Having someone tell them they are foolish or stupid is something they have no wish for.

What do you think?

How many times have you attempted something and one of the first thoughts through your head was something like,” what will others think of me?”  We all want to be loved and admired and having others think we are less is not good.

It has been my experience that often those fears are completely false. I can remember doing things that I thought others might think I was foolish for doing and the exact opposite was true. The not only did not criticize me, they made comments to the effect that they thought I was brave or that they wished they had the nerve to do that.

Afraid of criticism

The fear of criticism is, like most fears, of our own thinking. Certainly if you are confronted with a tiger on the loose, you should be afraid, but fears like the fear of criticism is in your own thoughts and mind.

What would you like to do? Would you like to take up sky diving? Sure people might say you are crazy, but it is mostly because they don’t have the nerve to do it. Would you like to start a business? The same answer is true. Whatever it is you would like to do, the fear of being criticized is first, in your head and second, if you are criticized, it is usually out of jealousy on the part of the other person.

Instead of you being the laughingstock what really happens is you are the envy of others. They may say something demeaning, but they are only doing so out of the fear of doing it themselves.

Move past it!

Today, think of one dream you have and look into doing it. Find out what it takes and take steps toward it. Tell other people and see how many criticize you for it and try to understand their reasoning for it. I bet most people will say they admire you and those who do criticize will do so out of envy and jealousy.

Here’s to You!

Steve

P.S. take a look at my Living Your Dream page for a little inspiration.