Overcoming Fear—Pushing Through the Barriers to Reach Your Dreams

Fear. We’ve all felt it—that nagging voice in the back of your mind saying, What if I fail? or What if this doesn’t work out? In my latest episode of Journey of a Dreamer, I dive deep into this tricky emotion that stops so many of us from going after our dreams. Fear may never disappear, but here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to. You can push through it, and in this post, I’ll show you how.

Recognize the Fear

The first step to overcoming fear is recognizing it. What’s something you’ve been wanting to do but fear has been holding you back? Maybe it’s launching that new business, applying for a dream job, or putting yourself out there in a new way. Fear can show up in different forms—from loud doubts to subtle feelings of hesitation. But once you acknowledge it, you can start figuring out how to deal with it.

For me, one of the biggest fears I’ve had to face is the fear of failure. The fear of What if I try and it doesn’t work out? This fear has made me second-guess so many things I’ve been excited about. But here’s what I’ve learned: failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s part of the journey. And the most successful people we admire? They’ve all failed along the way.

One of my clients came to me with a great business idea but was paralyzed by the fear of what others might think. After working through these fears together, they launched their business and now couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. They learned that overcoming fear wasn’t about being fearless—it was about taking small steps despite the fear.

Reframe Your Mindset

What if instead of asking, What if I fail? you asked, What can I learn if things don’t go as planned? This simple mindset shift can make a huge difference. Failure becomes feedback, a stepping stone toward growth. You’re not stuck—you’re learning and evolving.

So, how does fear of failure show up for you? Maybe you’ve been hesitant to start something because you’re afraid it won’t work out. Instead of letting that stop you, focus on what you can gain from the experience, even if it’s not perfect.

Here’s a simple exercise: Write down one thing you’re afraid of doing, and then break it down into three small, manageable steps. Start with the first one today—it might be as simple as sending an email or scheduling a meeting.

Overcome the Fear of Judgment

Another big fear that stops so many of us is the fear of what others will think. We all want to be liked, but constantly worrying about other people’s opinions can hold you back. If you let fear of judgment control you, you’re handing over the reins of your dream to someone else.

The truth is, people will always have opinions, but their opinions aren’t what drives your success—you are. You’re the one pursuing your dreams, not them. Focus on what makes you excited and let that guide you, not someone else’s opinion.

Think about it: What’s the one thing you’ve been holding off on because of fear? Is it applying for that dream job or launching a creative project? Reflect on what’s truly holding you back and how taking one small step could shift everything.

The Fear of Success

Now here’s a surprising one: the fear of success. It might sound strange, but sometimes we’re not afraid of failing—we’re afraid of what will happen if we actually succeed. What if I get what I’ve been working for and I can’t handle it? This fear can sneak in when you’re on the verge of something big.

But here’s the thing: success doesn’t come all at once. You grow into the person who can handle it, step by step. So, if the fear of success has been holding you back, remember that you’ll grow and evolve as you move forward. You’ll figure it out as you go.

Take Action Despite the Fear

Fear is always going to be there in some form. But here’s the thing: it’s not your enemy. Fear is actually a sign that you’re on the edge of something important. Instead of letting it stop you, let it fuel you.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” Fear isn’t something to run from—it’s something to use as motivation to move forward.

Here’s your challenge: think about one small step you can take toward your dream, even if fear is present. It doesn’t have to be a huge leap—just something small that moves you forward. You’ve got this.

Final Thoughts

The journey to your dreams isn’t about eliminating fear; it’s about learning to move forward with it. Fear doesn’t have to hold you back—it can push you forward. So, what’s your next step? Take it, even if fear is tagging along for the ride.

The future is uncertain, but every small action you take will bring you closer to your dreams. If you’re ready to push through the fear and start moving toward your dreams, I’d love to hear about it! Connect with me on Instagram at @hirayacoaching, or head to www.hirayacoaching.com to book a free consultation. Let’s tackle your fears together and take the next step toward your dreams.