Dealing with Intimidation: How to Overcome Fear and Pursue Your Goals
The feeling of intimidation can be quite intense and can provide a significant barrier to pursuing our dreams. This post is aimed at helping those who feel scared about the things they need to do, with particular emphasis on the challenge of being the first in their family to pursue advanced education, such as dental school.
Understanding Insecurity and Fear
Perhaps the underlying emotion you're experiencing is a form of skepticism. It's always there, lodged in the pit of your stomach whenever you think about applying to dental school, especially if it's the first step in your family. The pressure can be overwhelming. However, the key to overcoming this fear is to understand its source and not allow it to define your actions.
How Fear is Learned
Have you ever wondered why you have fears about certain things, particularly if they seem unnecessary? For example, a fear sparked by memories of bullying in school can manifest into a general aversion to school, making it a less daunting pursuit. Your subconscious mind has a way of associating fear with specific circumstances, which can inadvertently turn everything you need to do into a source of anxiety. When this happens, your brain processes the need to do something with the fear you have, leading to an overall sense of dread.
Though it's challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of fear, recognizing that it's a learned reaction is the first step. Understanding that the fear isn't from the thing itself, but from past experiences, can be liberating.
Approaching Your Fears with Openness
When faced with things you feel anxious about, such as applying to dental school, consider the perspective of someone not burdened by the same fears. If you were to approach the task without reservations, how might you handle it? Would you face it head-on or would you avoid it altogether? It's important to let go of the fear and engage with the task, regardless of the potential outcomes. Embrace the uncertainty and give it a shot. After all, the possibility of failure or an outcome that doesn't meet your expectations is no excuse to let go of the opportunity.
Personal Reflections on Fear and Overcoming It
Even I, the author, often face feelings of intimidation. It's often triggered by the fear of the outcome, particularly the fear of failure. But it's not just about the results; it's also about the fear of not fulfilling your personal and professional needs. There's also the fear of judgment from others, whether they have any right to judge or not. Recognizing these fears for what they are—misplaced and self-imposed—can help you take a more positive step toward your goals. When you're living your life without being weighed down by fear, you're embracing strength and rejecting weakness.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, fear can be a significant hindrance to progress and personal development. It's important to identify the source of your fears and learn how to process them. By doing so, you open the door to new opportunities and the realization of your full potential. Whether you're pursuing dental school or any other goal, remember that the journey is about the process and the lessons you learn along the way. Embrace the fear and leave it at the starting line, where it belongs. Success is on the other side of your fears.