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Aaliyah Tambawala

The Fear of Bravery: A Paralysis of Potential

“Come on! Get up.” 

“Fear is a sign of weakness.”

“Oh don’t be scared!”

We’ve all heard these so-called “motivational” phrases once surely, right? However, have we ever bothered to realize how fathomless and mind weighing they are? It does not take someone else’s words or comments to bring us down, it's our own innocent, subconscious mind, and tender heart which allows these aimless thoughts to cast a shadow upon the thing most longed for, the thing most worked for- our dreams. At the end of the day, we are all afraid. We are all scared of being judged, not heard, not enough, too much to handle, too dramatic, too simple… and the list goes on. At the end of the day, we all have a fear of being brave. 


The fear of bravery stems from a complex interplay of psychological factors. At its core lies the fear of failure, the dread of falling short of expectations or making mistakes. This fear can manifest in various forms, from self-doubt and anxiety to ingrained beliefs in one's inadequacy. It can amplify the perception of risks, making every step forward seem daunting and every decision a gamble. 


This fear is often compounded by the fear of judgement and ridicule. The prospect of being criticized for one's actions, particularly when those actions are perceived as risky or unconventional, can be a powerful deterrent. The fear of social disapproval can stifle individuality and discourage individuals from pursuing their passions, even if those passions hold the promise of great achievements.


The fear of bravery can also be rooted in a fear of change, a reluctance to step outside one's comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Embracing bravery often necessitates venturing into new territories, confronting unfamiliar challenges, and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. For those who crave stability and predictability, this prospect can be unsettling, leading them to retreat into the familiar, even if it means sacrificing personal growth and fulfillment.


This fear of life often takes a toll on a person's true desires and limits them from their potential. Though it may seem difficult to overcome, there are simple ways of extinguishing it. If one wants to succeed, they must learn to embrace the fear and choose to control it rather than the fear controlling them. Each one should be of an open mind with a keen willingness to step out of their comfort zones. Society will speak- a society not strong enough to conquer their beliefs and fear, just to make themselves feel an inch better about themselves. But do not succumb to these talks. Take some time to self reflect and tell yourself that you have come so far. You have overcome so much. You bore so much pain. But for what? For overcoming that fear. 


Fear is often the driving force of our existence. It can make us or break us. It is not a sign of weakness. It is proof of humanity and proof that we are fighting. You do not always have to get up and continue that instant. It is the course of nature to fall to your weakest points, but soon enough rise to your greatest potential.There is indeed true bravery in being fearful, just like there is fear in being brave. 


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