Stop Hesitating — Don't Let Fear Keep You from Experiencing Life

Jul 31, 2011
Ryan Arciero

Smile for Self Confidence - Chris Corwin

To hesitate too much is not a good thing - stop letting being afraid of failure stop you from achieving your goals and succeeding in life.

Many people are familiar with the popular old saying, “He who hesitates is lost.” While this phrase may not be true in all situations, it does provide a valid point — being too hesitant is not good. Those who often hesitate or are afraid of facing failure are those same people who never get as far in life as they could because they did not take the necessary risks or steps toward success. Although failure is something that daunts everyone in every field, from writers to doctors to teachers, failure should not prevent you from living out the confident life you want to live. Follow some of these tips to help conquer the fears you face that are keeping you from experiencing life, and to instead learn how to embrace new challenges instead of hesitating.

Tell Yourself to Stop Being Hesitant

In order to help you feel more confident and less hesitant, you must first realize that you’re afraid in the first place. Being afraid of something, either big or small, is nothing to be ashamed of — everyone has fears and doubts. However, when those fears prevent you from living life to the fullest, it’s time to take action. Once you make the decision to change and not letting fear stop you from achieving your dreams, you’re halfway there.

Face Your Fears

While this step may seem the most daunting at first, it is possible to achieve if you believe in yourself. Realize what your fears are, and face them head-on. The moment you actually take action and stop hesitating, you will find that you’re already making progress! If you want to lose weight, for example, don’t let the fear of failing to do so prevent you from ever trying. According to U.S. News, letting limiting fear "stop you in your tracks" can slow you down from taking that new job opportunity or positive career choice. Like fitness, a combination of confidence and desire are the keys to success.

Make the Decision to Experience Life

If you don’t let fear stop you, you will soon find that you have become a happier, healthier version of yourself. By telling yourself to stop hesitating all the time, you are making the informed decision to experience life and be all that you were meant to be. If there are several activities that you are afraid of, or that you are afraid you will fail if you try, it becomes much easier to face those fears once you do so the first time. In the chance that you do happen to fail (and like success, this will indeed happen from time to time), then you may just discover that those attempts are simply stepping stones to helping you succeed in the future.

Don’t Let Fear Stop You

Life is meant to be enjoyed and experienced — take a step outside of your comfort zone and begin living life today. While that does not mean you need to start taking dangerous risks, it should encourage you to not let the fear of failure prevent you from achieving your goals. Remember, however, to notice if you have just a fear or an actual phobia, a more severe irrational fear. According to Kathy Hoganbruen, a phobia causes a more challenging "level of impairment" and may require psychological help. Yet when you believe in yourself and work hard for something, let all of that time and preparation fight the feelings of being afraid — prove to yourself and to the world that you can succeed. In doing so, you will learn to stop hesitating and not let hesitation bar your path toward fulfillment any longer.