Summary

The article provides guidance on personal growth, emphasizing the importance of letting go of the past, embracing fear, and actively shaping one's future through self-assessment, risk-taking, and embracing discomfort to achieve success and personal fulfillment.

Abstract

The article "How to Let go of Fear, Find Yourself, and Own Your Future" delves into the process of self-improvement by acknowledging the past as a source of wisdom rather than a burden. It encourages readers to take control of their future by setting and pursuing meaningful goals. The text suggests that introspection and tough self-questioning can lead to the discovery of one's true self and hidden talents, distinguishing between interests and innate abilities. It advises against complacency and mediocrity, advocating for the company of ambitious peers and mentors. The article stresses the necessity of taking risks and making mistakes as part of the growth process, arguing that fear of failure should not paralyze action. It concludes by inspiring readers to reveal their new selves, free from self-limiting behaviors, and to take decisive steps towards a fulfilling future, drawing a parallel to the transformational journey depicted in Disney's "Frozen."

Opinions

The past should be viewed as a repository of experiences that can fortify one's journey towards the future, rather than as a weight that hinders progress.
Success is not just about following interests but also about uncovering and nurturing innate talents, which may require stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Comparing oneself to others can be a catalyst for growth rather than a source of jealousy, provided it leads to self-improvement and not complacency.
Embracing discomfort and taking calculated risks are essential for personal development and for achieving dreams.
Overcoming fear and taking action are crucial for moving beyond mediocrity and toward a life of meaning and achievement.
The journey of self-discovery and growth is a continuous process that requires one to let go of self-imposed limitations and to consistently evolve.
The article implies that popular media, such as Disney films, can offer valuable life lessons relevant to adults in their pursuit of self-actualization.

How to Let go of Fear, Find Yourself, and Own Your Future

“The future depends on what you do today.”― Mahatma Gandhi

Your past and your future and intrinsically linked. Your past is literally that, your past. We tend to see the past as this great burden, but we can use it as a store of wisdom, and strength. It is an essential part of who you are, but it won’t get you to where you’re going unless you are comfortable staying where you are, but you aren’t satisfied with where you are, you have hope for a better future.

“The past is in your head. The future is in your hands.” — Unknown

Your future is yours for the making and it is in the palm of your hands.

Here’s the question you’re asking: How do I move forward in meaningful ways to meet my goals.

How you answer that question determines your future.

It’s both a call to action and an ability to fulfill the answer by walking toward, into the call of your destiny. The problem is that so many of us don’t know who we are or who we want to be.

When we figure out how to get where we want to go, we’ve found the answer that will lead us to live a successful life. We’ve let go of baggage, who we aren’t, who we don’t want to be, embraced fear, embarrassment, making mistakes and transformed from a life of a wannabe mentality into a life of meaning.

How do we get there?

It involves both a look inward and a look at our past while looking ahead to meet our future self. Many times it means having a tough conversation with ourselves. It necessitates the “me” in the mirror ask tough questions:

Where have I been?
What have I learned?
Where am I going?

While considering your past, also consider the hope for your future.

How will you show your best self?

to the world
to mom and dad
to your peers
to yourself

Most people find their greatest gift isn’t the thing they started doing in the first place.

Is there a talent you are overlooking?

Your interests and your talent may not be the same thing. It may be easier to follow your interests, but doing some self-assessment may reveal gifts that you’ve overlooked. Take a personality profile test or ask peers to name your gifts. The answers will surprise you. Once you become aware of your gifts and how you’re meant to help others, pursue that gift.

Don’t settle for mediocrity.

Mediocrity

We tend to think that gauging ourselves by others is a source of jealousy. But it can also be a source of complacency. That’s part of the problem. They are living mediocre lives, and that’s okay for a time, but it’s not okay if you want to be a success. Analyze who you spend time with and hang with others who propel you toward success. Find a good mentor and put together a plan for your future.

When you develop enough angst about where you are, you will develop the grit to get where you are going and have the know-how to get there.

It won’t happen without risks.

Take risks

You’ve already decided that you don’t want to be mediocre, so you can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. You have to challenge yourself and try new things. Trying new things is essential. Likely, you have a lot of ideas, and when you have clarity, you can focus on the ones that will shape your future positively.

“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction.” — John F. Kennedy

Don’t let fear paralyze you

Let’s get this one out of the way. You will make mistakes. You can’t learn and grow without making mistakes. You can plan and meticulously research every step of your goals if that makes you comfortable, and if you have to be comfortable to take action, you will likely never take the first step.

You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

The full quote is attributed to Peter McWilliams:

“Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it’s a small price to pay for living a dream.”

Passion, skills, and risks come together is a movement to reach your dreams. As you show yourself who you’ve become, you’ll see how far you’ve come. You will realize that conformity is the thing that’s been holding you back from standing out as an individual who stands in the light of your new self.

You’ll be ready to show yourself.

Show yourself

The new person you’ve become will help you continue to forge your path. You test your limits and breakthrough. Let go of the self-limiting behaviors and learn to stay the path, a different course that will have you continually owning your future.

We’ve moved a long way from “Let it Go” to arrive at “Show Yourself,” and the implications have a positive outlook for your future. And, while it took six (6) years for the fear in Frozen to move into compelling characters who are action-takers, I hope it won’t take that long for you to make necessary changes in your life.

Disney has a history of including social issues in its movies. Make no mistake about it; the animation holds deeper life lessons for adults too. It’s not just a kid’s movie. Your life has great potential. You can show up and show us your new self.

Don’t make us wait one more moment.

Your future is waiting.

How will you show yourself?

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