FOF!! (Fear of Failure)

This one is just me, talking about something that has held me back more times than I can count. Fear of failure. That knot in your stomach before you raise your hand in class, post a video, or try something new. I have felt it over and over, and I want to share what helped me move through it.

Ask yourself what’s the worst that could happen

I remember the moment I had to push myself in front of a camera for the first time. I already had ten thousand people following me, and the thought of making a complete fool of myself was terrifying. But then I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen? People will judge you, people might laugh at you, and then what? They’ll get over it in a couple of days.” That one question changed everything. The fear of judgment is loud, but it is also temporary. Everyone moves on. Life gives you a new chance every single day, so do not let the fear of a few awkward moments stop you from trying.

Small goals, not dramatic dreams

One trap we fall into is setting goals that are too huge and distant. I never started with a dream of being a big YouTuber. My goal was much smaller. “If even one person is able to take something good out of my Snapchat stories, my objective will be achieved.” That felt achievable. When you break a big dream into small, doable steps, you get little wins that build momentum. You stop seeing every setback as proof that you are failing, and instead you notice you are moving forward, one person or one step at a time.

Learning at my own pace

I am a slow learner, and I used to be ashamed of that. During my surgery rotation in dental school, I struggled with extractions while others seemed to get it easily. I would stand there, afraid to admit I needed help. Every time a supervisor had to take over, I felt I had failed. But I chose not to quit. I told myself, “I can’t give up.” By the end of the rotation, I was doing just as well as everyone else, only it took me a bit longer. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is how you learn. A slow, steady process teaches you so much more than instant luck ever will.

Just go for it

I have been scared before almost everything I have tried: playing football, acting, singing, getting on stage. Every single time, my heart was pounding. But I did it anyway. “The moment I give up fear of failure and feel confident that if I just give it my best I can do it, I’m actually able to do it.” You can dance wildly in your room because no one is watching. That same talent exists in you when people are watching, if you can quiet the fear. Confidence and ability go hand in hand.

Start somewhere to get somewhere

I have said this so many times, and I will say it again: we have to start somewhere to get somewhere. I did not know how to kick a football properly when I began. When I started a charity drive, I was scared no one would show up. But when your intentions are clear and you just begin, things move. You cannot wait for the fear to vanish; you start while you are still afraid, and that is how you build the life you want. Small things really do matter, and small brave acts add up in ways you cannot predict.