No matter how afraid you are about taking a step or making a decision, the regret of not taking it will always weigh more than the fear.
Good morning and happy new week, today we are talking all about fear and regret. I shared a little bit about this on Instagram last week and the post led to a lot of questions so I thought I would share a little bit more about the concept.
If you are reading this newsletter, you are part of this community; if that’s the case, I already know you are used to making this happen, however, none of us are above feeling fear.
In the journey of self-development, you are guaranteed to encounter two formidable adversaries: fear and regret. Both are powerful forces that can either propel us forward or hold us back. However, it is the weight of regret that often proves to be more burdensome than the fear of the unknown.
The weight of regret
In my life and work so far, there have been a few opportunities I haven't taken because of a lack of confidence, I didn't think I deserved and others I simply talked myself out of. The fact that I remember the opportunities should tell you something. When you allow fear to win, the weight of regret, of what could have been can almost be crippling.
Regret is a very silent saboteur, stealthily accumulating over time until its presence becomes overwhelming. It stems from opportunities not seized, words left unspoken, and paths left unexplored. Unlike fear, which is often a response to potential dangers, regret is a retrospective emotion, haunting us with the "what-ifs" of the past. Its weight can paralyze us, preventing personal growth and hindering the pursuit of our true potential.
The Illusion of comfort in fear
Fear, on the other hand, is a natural response to the unknown. We all feel it from time to time and that’s alright. I felt fear before I went to university, I also felt it when I started my first-ever business in 2016. It's a self-preserving mechanism designed to keep us safe. Yet, if we aren't careful, fear can become a deceptive ally, creating a false sense of security within our comfort zones. While fear may protect us from immediate risks, it can also confine us to a life of routine and missed opportunities, ultimately leading to a different kind of regret—the regret of unfulfilled potential.
So how do we deal with it?
To overcome the paralyzing weight of regret, you have to confront the fear that often precedes it. I've discovered that there is no way through without confronting fear.
In short, take action. Action is the singular antidote to both fear and regret. By taking deliberate steps towards our goals, we not only challenge our fears but also minimize the chances of regret in the future. Every small action, no matter how insignificant it may seem, contributes to the creation of a life with fewer regrets and more fulfilment. If you aim at the good and put everything out there, you leave nothing on the table.
It is crucial to recognize that regret, with its retrospective weight, can be more detrimental than the fear of the unknown. By embracing action, we not only confront our fears head-on but also actively shape our destinies.
Let go of the anchor of regret and set sail towards a future where personal growth and fulfilment take precedence over the weight of missed opportunities.
Remember, the regrets of inaction far outweigh the uncertainties of stepping into the unknown.
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Have an amazing week
M.T. Omoniyi