We spend so much time trying to avoid judgment that we forget people judge us even when we do nothing. Hiding and playing small doesn’t change that. We worry that if we try and fail, people will talk, but they’ll also talk if we succeed. So let’s be honest: are we really hiding, or are we just trying to protect ourselves from being seen?
Hear me out: what if the fear of being judged, or criticized is exactly what you need to reach your next level, whatever that looks like for you?
What if putting yourself out there is not that bad, but a small window to what you have daydreaming about?
It’s been a while since I started sharing my thoughts and creating content. I have to admit, it was a big learning curve for me. I had to face my fear of being judged and criticized.
And don’t get me started on making videos. Sometimes, after recording, I feel like I sound like someone else, but I keep pushing myself to do it. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.
Truth be told, those small writing instances led to my first book, Faith Over Fear.
I share this because sometimes the fulfillment we’re looking for isn’t about getting another job, but about expressing ourselves. For me, being creative has given me that. And if we can earn a few coins while at it, even better.
That being said, could it be that the stories you’ve been telling yourself aren’t the obvious ones? That you saying “I’m not ready” is just fear showing up as preparation? That maybe your comfort zone is keeping you small, and the goal of merely surviving and staying in your lane is stopping you from truly living your best life?
Imagine for a moment if you had no fear. How many YouTube videos would you make in a day? How many mandazis would you sell at your shop? Would you give that person a chance, or are you hesitating because of what people and culture expect from you?
Would you apply for that job? Would you start that side hustle?
Think for a moment about what could happen if you stopped hiding behind someone else’s choices and stopped living in fear. What’s the first thing you would do? Share in the comments.
The good news is, there’s still time. I say this because I’m still learning too, and stepping out of my comfort zone continues to help me grow.
Until the next time, choose faith over fear
Maggie Wachira
Empowerment Coach, Author & Storyteller – on a mission to help women own their stories, rise from fear, and shine through faith and purpose.
