What is the dumbest thing you feared and realized it was no big deal after?

by dmaster555

Posted: 9 years ago 15 replies

OFF TOPIC

I am coming to realize that the cliche about success being on the other side of fear is true.

I remember just a few years ago, I was scared to give presentations to a fairly big group at the company I worked for.

For MONTHS, I put it off making excuses. Letting someone else shine and take credit for great presentations,etc.

One day I just decided to do it.

The first time, I was nervous as HELL.

After it was over, I was relieved.

Second time still nervous, but less so, etc.

Eventually you realize it's no big f*cking deal and the crowd isn't going to do anything but stare at you like an idiot

Now, I have people ask me how I have the balls to do it and so many opportunities have opened up.

I have come to realize that the situation is NEVER as bad as you make it seem in your head. I kick myself for being a coward for so long. Who knows how many opportunities I've missed.

What irrational fears are holding you back?

HeySal 9 years ago

I love public speaking. I worked at a community college once and speech was a subject that I was helping grant students get their teeth into. For some reason a lot of people are scared crapless of standing in front of an audience. I don't "get" it. I had one student that would get weak in the knees and nauseous just thinking about it.

Frankly, I don't have fear problems. My worst problem is that some things just make me tired to even think about them. I think that every field has some of those kinds of areas involved, though. If you struggle through those "tasks" you can get to clear sailing.
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yukon Banned 9 years ago

Someone will probably mention Claude.
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- tagiscom 9 years ago
  
  Yes, l did a business course and we had to take it in turns to stand up and speak to everyone.
  
  Scary as hell initially, but at the end fairly easy!
  
  There is a small trick that you can use if you have to stand in front of a large audience. I tested this when standing in a large room of people in a circle.
  
  And l was for the most part as cool as a cucumber, while everyone around me was shaking, etc; when l asked a question.
  
  Just concentrate within, that's it! Or concentrate inside yourself, do that and you will find that all nerves, etc will disappear.
  
  But on the downside you have to do this for a few seconds then speak, then when nerves get the better of you, go back to concentrating.
  
  But pausing every 5 seconds is better than becoming a nervous wreck.
  
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- Dan Riffle 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by yukon
  
  Someone will probably mention Claude.
  
  Well, I never really feared Claude, but I did (quickly) realize he's no big deal.
  
  Does that count?
  
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  Claude Whitacre 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Dan Riffle
  
  Well, I never really feared Claude, but I did (quickly) realize he's no big deal.
  
  Does that count?
  
  That was beautiful.
  
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  Dan Riffle 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre
  
  That was beautiful.
  
  I'm surprised you were able to read it.
  
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  Claude Whitacre 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Dan Riffle
  
  I'm surprised you were able to read it.
  
  Read it? No, I assume every one of your posts is an erotic appeal to get close to me. I just say compliments, because I'm a tease.
  
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Mark Singletary 9 years ago

One time I was afraid that I was wrong about something. But, thankfully (and as expected), I was wrong about being wrong. So that fear went away and has never returned.

Mark

I've been reading too many of Big Frank's posts. His narcissism is wearing off on me.
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- BigFrank Banned 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Mark Singletary
  
  I've been reading too many of Big Frank's posts. His narcissism is wearing off on me.
  
  lol I'm glad I was ab;e to bring something useful to your life. Narcissism is a beautiful thing if you can learn how to use it to your advantage.
  
  Cheers. - Frank
  
  P.S. I appreciate you giving credit, where credit is due. :-)
  
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Claude Whitacre 9 years ago

Originally Posted by dmaster555

What irrational fears are holding you back?

When I was a kid, I was afraid of heights, lightening, and all manner of imaginary supernatural beings.. I forced myself to get over those fears. At the time, I didn't think of them as irrational, I just hated feeling afraid.

Now? I can't think of any irrational fears. Although I thought I was going to love hearing applause when I became a speaker. And I found out it really didn't do anything for me.

An hour before a speaking engagement, I sometimes think nobody will show up. That's irrational, but it's not a fear.

For years, I hated going to the dentist. Now, I don't give it much thought....except the cost.
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Rod Cortez 9 years ago

One of my biggest fears about 30 years ago was approaching women (well, back then it was girls). Then the first time I asked for a girl's phone number she said "no" and when I walked away I thought to myself, "that wasn't so bad".

So I did it again, and again, and again. I kept on going until I got my first real girlfriend. That was a long time ago and today I've built a business around helping other men overcome this fear.

Approaching women, it turns out, is no big deal. All she can say is "no" or "not interested" or whatever and then you go about your merry way.

I see a lot of men pass up on opportunities because they are afraid of rejection or fear of saying the wrong thing, when in reality, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. So it's better to introduce yourself and then see if she's single / available, then go ahead and setup an instant date or get her phone number to follow up with her later.

I recently turned single and am at it again, already got two dates booked for this Saturday. Let the good times roll........

RoD
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bojan92 9 years ago

nice story ROD, i had a phobia too from talking with girls at the begging of my dating career but now it all long gone
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- lanfear63 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by bojan92
  
  nice story ROD, i had a phobia too from talking with girls at the begging of my dating career but now it all long gone
  
  Claude can associate with the Begging part.
  
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totalprocessing.net 9 years ago

Alligators and vikings under my bed.. When I was a kid
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- lanfear63 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by totalprocessing.net
  
  Alligators and vikings under my bed.. When I was a kid
  
  Infestations of Vikings under the bed was always a huge problem where I came from. They tore up many a mattress with their horned helmets.
  
  As for Alligators, well that's just a bunch of Croc.
  
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