Shining a spotlight on and naming our demons
- Mohamed Abdelrahim
- Apr 15, 2022
- 2 min read
Gratitude to and Inspired by Sabina Nawaz HBR article https://lnkd.in/dyQ3m8r3
There is no question that fear and false expectations can hold us back from fulfilling our dreams. But what can we do to overcome them?
Shining a spotlight on and naming our demons is a good place to start. It can be incredibly liberating to give these aspects of our psyche a voice, and even more empowering to confront them head-on. By acknowledging our demons, we take back control of our lives and weaken their hold over us. According to Sabina Nawaz “This allows us to set the terms under which we do our best work for ourselves, for our teams and organizations, and for those we serve.”
When we're clear about what's holding us back, it becomes easier to take steps towards overcoming those demons. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, practice in front of smaller groups until you feel more comfortable. Or if you have doubts about your ability to lead a team, find a mentor who can help guide you through the process. Acknowledge your achievements: It can be helpful to take some time each day (or week) to reflect on your accomplishments – big or small! This will help remind yourself of what YOU have achieved.
Personally, Fear and Imposter Syndrome are two of my many demons. It has kept me from doing things that I want to do and achieving goals that I have set for myself. Fear has caused me to doubt myself and made me second-guess my abilities. It is a powerful emotion that can immobilize us and prevent us from moving forward. But, I am determined to overcome fear and let it not control my life anymore. I am going to face my fears head-on and take action despite the fear telling me not to.
It's also important to be realistic about what we can achieve. It's okay to set high goals for ourselves but it's important not not get discouraged if don't meet them every time Remember that progress is always better than perfectionism!
So, what are your demons? What have you been hiding from yourself? Once you've identified them, it's time to start fighting back!
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