In everyday life, we are often faced with important decisions — such as whether to apply for a new job or start a new course. The more we can test our limits and abilities, the more we will learn about ourselves. New challenges are opportunities for us.
Rather than seeing the opportunity, often, we focus on what it will be like to fail. As a result, taking on a new challenge can be frightening. In these cases, we may avoid the challenge altogether and carry on down the same path we were on.
We make some excuses to ourselves so that we can stay in our comfort zone. By avoiding challenges, we don't have the opportunities to learn about ourselves. We feel trapped. We are troubled by discomfort, anxiety, and the sense that things are not quite right.
There are times when we might want to avoid a challenge for good, realistic reasons. Perhaps, deep down, we are frightened of what other people might say and of what we might learn about ourselves. But instead of acknowledging that, we tell ourselves that now is not a good time, or that this isn't the right opportunity.
To lead an authentic life, we need to take on new challenges that give us more opportunities to be ourselves. It is not that authentic people don't feel the same fear; rather, they are simply more willing to face their fear. The question is not how to lead a life in which we never feel the fear of failure, but rather, how we can moved forward despite our fear.
A. In reality, it is our fear talking.
B. The fear of failure can be too much to bear
C. However, we don't always see it that way.
D. People think we can stay in our comfort zone and keep learning.
E. Taking on such challenges is an important part of growing as a person.
F. But the truth is that staying in our comfort zone is not necessarily comfortable.
G. They are open to new experiences, cherishing the challenges of learning about themselves.
