Fear of Failing

When we are faced with a new opportunity or challenge, the biggest obstacle to taking the leap is often fear. The questions pile up in our minds. What if I'm not good enough? What if I don't succeed? What will people think of me? As I was deciding to apply to yoga teacher training, I was no different. What if I don't have what it takes to be a good teacher? What if I sound nervous when I speak in front of the group? What if I can't learn to do a handstand? No matter how excited we may be about a new experience, we usually encounter these type of questions and the doubt they generate may prevent us from saying yes.

Our questions stem from fear, and often this fear is based on judgments that we unconsciously make about ourselves. We think we might not be good enough to accomplish what is in front of us, so we decide it's better to not even try. It is difficult to let go of the expectations that we have for ourselves in a situation. But instead of comparing ourselves to the imaginary picture we create in our minds, we can accept that who we are in the moment is enough. We all need to be a little easier on ourselves, and we need to show ourselves the same kindness that we show others. 

Stopping the cycle of fear and self-judgment is liberating. It allows us to greet new challenges with enthusiasm and an open mind. Will I have what it takes to be a good teacher? I don't know, but I'm going to give my best effort and know that it's all I can do. What if I sound nervous when I speak in front of the group? The truth is that no one is going to judge me for that except for me. I can decide to accept that I'm nervous and not inflate that into a judgment that I am somehow lacking. What if I can't learn to do a handstand? Then I can't do a handstand. I'll keep practicing.