How many of these fears ring true for you? " Fear of being seen - This is when you try to fade into the background or hide rather than speak up, step forward, or insert yourself into situations.
" Fear of living outside your comfort zones - This is when you refuse to try something new or to do anything that causes you to feel uncomfortable or awkward.
" Fear of failure - This is when you avoid any situation, task, or commitment where uncertainty of success comes into play. You don't try; therefore, you can't fail.
" Fear of feeling like a fraud - This is also called the imposter syndrome. It's when you are convinced you have no idea what you're doing, so you just fake it. You are sure that eventually "everyone" will find out.
" Fear of being unprepared - This is when you never feel like something is quite ready. It could always use one more tweak before you show it to anyone. You never move from novice to expert because you are plagued by self-doubt.
" Fear of rejection - This is when the fear of hearing NO keeps you from trying anything at all. You are more concerned about the possibility of rejection than you are of reaching your highest level of success.
" Fear of being wrong - This is when you don't want to be seen as uninformed or ignorant. You lack confidence so you refuse to assert your opinion or to contribute your knowledge and experience.
" Fear of being ridiculed - This is when you are afraid of what "they" might say about you so you refuse to put yourself, your work, your opinions or your answers out for others to see.
" Fear of not knowing enough - This is when you refuse to trust yourself. No matter how much education, training, or real-world experience you have, you are trapped by insecurity.
" Fear of sounding stupid - This is when you are so afraid of what others think about what you have to say that you sit quietly and bite your tongue - even when you know you are right.
" Fear of Success - While it may sound counterintuitive, many women are afraid of success. Success requires you to be seen, to speak your mind, and to do more. The fear of others' expectations, letting people down and letting yourself down is what fuels this fear.
" Fear of speaking your truth - This is when you are certain about a visceral truth, yet you hold back your words anyway. Women often yearn to speak their authentic opinions, but go along with corporate norms for fear of backlash.
" Fear of standing in your power - This one is HUGE. This one is a combination of all the other fears combined. It's embodies a reluctance to honor your space in the world. This is a refusal to acknowledge your core values and your right to have a voice.