Looking back…

Clare G_Get SmartFor as long as I can remember, I’ve lived with the fear of judgment, or how others perceive me. Though I might not have ever outright asked others, “Am I good enough?” when I think about it, that defining question has been at the root of all my feelings and behaviors since my youth. It has manifested itself in different ways – negative body image as a teen, studying long hours for good grades as a student, and now as a 20-something, the pressure of securing a career and planning my future – but it’s always been there.

As I read what I just wrote, I can’t help but feel sorry for a young woman basing her self-worth on what she believes (doesn’t know) others are thinking – and trying to control it. That’s why 2014 is a fresh start for me and I’m making changes to LET GO and BE ME.

 

No fear means freeing myself of every negative voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough and won’t meet my goals. It’s being completely at peace and enjoying the moment because I am the author of my own story and can follow my arrow wherever it goes. My experiences are leading me exactly where I am meant to go, and creating me into exactly the person I am supposed to be.

What #nofear14 means to me is…

Allin2.jpg#NOFEAR14 is an amazing movement of brilliant, beautiful women sharing inspirational stories about how they are turning their fears into triumphs. Weekly phone calls with a few shining individuals help us face our fears and discover ways to prevent fear from hindering us from reaching our potential as gifted human beings worthy of loving and being loved. That’s all we really want, isn’t it?

Get Smart Tips & Reminders to help you CRUSH FEAR

  1. You’re not alone. The phone calls have shown me that fears of not being good enough and being negatively judged by others are ones we all have. They are not personal. According to bestselling author Marie Forleo, “It’s our mind’s default factory setting. That’s why it is so important to recognize that you have a mind but you are not your mind, or the thoughts that you think in your mind.” Being aware, and recognizing that we are all connected, is the first step in conquering what’s holding you back.
  2. The negative critics exist only in our MINDS – not in the people around us. Most of us are in our own little bubbles anyway!
  3. Practice daily gratitude, meditate, journal, write down positive affirmations, listen to uplifting music and read articles, books or quotes that empower and inspire you.
  4. Think BIG. There are billions of people in the world that don’t have what you do, which, in the long run, makes your worries seem pretty insignificant.
  5. Serve others. “Put all your attention on the person you’re serving or helping… Put your attention out, not on you.” – Marie Forleo. If all your attention is focused on others, you’ll have no time to question if you’re good enough.
  6. Surround yourself with people who support you – your “power posse” or “F.I.R.E. team” (Fabulous Friends who are Inspiring, Reliable and Eager to see you succeed).
  7. Be you. At all times. Unapologetically. Don’t be afraid to share your authenticity with others because “Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter!” – Dr. Suess. Don’t give power to the critics!
  8. Love yourself. Stop judging, forgive and be easy on yourself. You might not get it the first time, but if you keep trying and get back up, that’s true victory to celebrate.
  9. Don’t look to others. You don’t need to look to anyone else for approval because you are already and always will be good enough. J
  10. Remain balanced. Let go of worry and anxiety and let life happen. Keep yourself physically and mentally healthy, spend time with your loved ones and do what you love. The joy is in the journey. Enjoy the ride.

Join us on this Sunday’s phone call at 9pm EST to start overcoming your fears! For information on how to participate email getsmartcoach@gmail.com. We’d love to have you!

To keep up with the #nofear14 campaign with helpful reflections, articles, and more, please subscribe to our weekly emails by clicking here.

xoxo