The number one fear many people face in my opinion is The FEAR of REJECTION!
I see so many dreams get destroyed because of this fear. This is what prevents a lot of people from achieving their greatness and realizing their dreams and goals. They are so afraid of making mistakes because of what others might think or say, it totally stops them from taking action! But how do we expect to learn if we don’t make mistakes?
The sad truth is this fear is typically created in our own mind and not necessarily what others are really thinking or saying. This is how a lot of kids, especially from disadvantaged environments, live their life by being afraid. I can relate because I was one of those kids, but it never defined who I was, and it does not have to be that way. We have the CHOICE to see things from a totally different perspective and that will change your life forever!
As we begin, let’s understand how this fear first came to be. When you grow up in an environment where all you hear are constant “Nos” and “Cannots”, being told how you are not this or you cannot accomplish that, over time you begin to believe it…especially, when it comes from people close to you.
That is how this perception of reality is created in our own minds. For most people, being accepted by people that are close to you is very important, so we begin to go along with all their negativity just to feel accepted.
What kids seek out the most, and this is true even for adults, are key things which fill our heart. Like being loved and cared for, receiving unconditional acceptance, approval and encouragement. For this reason, people are willing to do anything to avoid rejection and typically lead them to have self-doubts, lack of confidence and other mental limitations of themselves.
However, to live a full life, we cannot let anything stop us, so we have got to shift our mindset on how we see things. It is okay to have grown up the way we did, but this is no reason for limiting ourselves in life. If anything, we need to be great examples by helping others and those who are closest to us by giving the support we didn’t have. I have been doing this with my own kids for many years and still do, even into adulthood.
Now that you know the root causes, what are the steps you can take to get over this fear and begin your journey of realizing your greatness?
- The very first shift we make is to understand Everything We Think About is Created in Our Own Mind. Therefore, we shift our mindset to see things from a totally different perspective. When you do, this will change the entire meaning of how we see things. Remember, life does not come in one dimension, it is multi-dimensional, and so is our perception by seeing things differently to have a better perspective.
- The second shift is to Take Full Accountability for whatever happens in our life. There’s no one to point the finger to but us. Remember, everything starts and ends with us because no one is going to do it for us, so if we want anything, we have got to go and get it!
- The third shift is to Face the Fear HEAD ON! What are you afraid of when you are very clear about your dreams and purpose in life? Who cares about making mistakes, because that is how we all learn. Let me ask you this, if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, is that fear going to stop you? Are you going to be worried about what others may say or think and be afraid of being rejected? Of course not!! So, what is the difference? Nothing! Take the risk and live your life to its fullest by staying focused on what is important for YOU. Because those people in your corner will be cheering for you!
- Finally, always Follow Your Heart and do what you are Passionate about as that is what life is about. Let’s have the courage to go for it and make a profound impact on our society!
The scars you have may never go away, but those scars should never dictate and decide who you become. Let’s do this!!!
-Bob
Bob Kawabe grew up enduring numerous adversities and challenges, but he knows that is what shaped his life to become who he is today. He is very passionate about helping younger generations just like him to reach their full potential in life by using his own personal experience to make this world a better place, one generation at a time! Learn More About Bob and Life Beyond Success.