Your Brain Is Designed To Protect You and This is Why You Are Afraid of Taking Risks.
A couple of days ago, I came across a brilliant video on TikTok from two of the most prolific creators I have ever seen.
Mel Robins and Jay Shetty are two of the most extraordinary and influential people I have ever watched on the internet; they have profoundly impacted both myself and others that I know on the internet simply by sharing words of wisdom.
The video in the transcript says:
You will never feel ready; you will never be ready to do things that scare you. You will never feel ready to take that leap; your brain is designed to protect you. And change requires risk. And so, you are protecting yourself by saying maybe tomorrow. If you want to change your life, you must make a decision to do so.
Fear is the single most important element in why many of us, including myself, have failed to achieve the majority of the goals that we have set for ourselves. With each passing day, we assure ourselves that tomorrow we will start acting on what we have written on that sticky note for more than 4 months.
I believe that as humans, we need to defend ourselves at any cost. We have a severe incapacity to take chances and face the consequences afterward because we are often so focused on what may go wrong that we often overlook what could go well.
When it comes to taking risks, fear often holds us back. Whether it’s starting a new business, pursuing a new relationship, or venturing into uncharted territories, our brain is wired to prioritize our safety and survival. This innate fear of taking risks is deeply rooted in the evolutionary design of our brains.
No Risk = No Reward
“No risk, no reward” is a popular anecdote that encapsulates the concept that taking risks is often necessary to achieve significant rewards or success. While risks inherently involve uncertainty and the possibility of failure, they also present opportunities for growth, learning, and the attainment of our goals. Here’s why this saying holds true and why embracing risks can be essential for personal and professional development
Another question I usually ask is “Am i prepared to deal with the consequences whether good or bad that comes after taking whatever risk it is?”
Life in general is full of ups and downs and you will never know how good or bad you'll be at something until you try it out.
Tiny Progresses Leads to Enormous Results
Tiny signs of progress can lead to enormous results because they accumulate over time, creating a snowball effect of growth and achievement. Often, we are drawn to the allure of big, dramatic changes or instant success. However, it is the consistent and incremental steps forward that truly make a lasting impact.
These small steps, when taken consistently, build momentum, create positive habits, and gradually propel us toward our goals. An example of this can be seen in the world of fitness and health. Instead of expecting overnight transformations, individuals who commit to small, sustainable changes such as incorporating a 10-minute walk into their daily routine, gradually increasing their fruit and vegetable intake, or dedicating a few minutes each day to meditation, witness significant improvements in their overall well-being and long-term health outcomes.
The key lies in the power of consistency and recognizing the transformative potential of seemingly small actions when practiced consistently over time.
Failure Is The Training Ground For Successful People
Failure is often seen as a setback, something to be avoided at all costs. However, successful people understand that failure is not the end, but rather a crucial training ground for growth and achievement.
It is through failure that valuable lessons are learned, resilience is built, and innovative approaches are discovered. Failure provides an opportunity to reflect, reassess strategies, and develop the determination necessary to overcome obstacles.
For example let’s look at the story of Thomas Edison, who famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” while inventing the electric light bulb. Edison’s numerous attempts and failures ultimately led to his breakthrough, demonstrating that each failure was a stepping stone on his path to success.
His ability to learn from failure and persevere serves as a powerful reminder that failure is not the end but rather an essential part of the journey to achieving greatness.
Beating The Fear Inside Your Head Is The Only Way To Truly Win
Beating the fear inside your head is the only way to truly win because fear has a way of holding us back from reaching our full potential. It creates self-doubt, paralyzes our actions, and prevents us from taking the necessary risks to achieve our goals. When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, we confine ourselves to a limited existence, never venturing beyond our comfort zones.
True victory lies in confronting our fears head-on, acknowledging their presence, and pushing through despite them. By challenging the negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel our fears, we gain control over our own minds.
It is in this process of facing our fears that we discover our inner strength, resilience, and the limitless possibilities that lie on the other side of fear. Only by conquering the fear inside our heads can we break free from its shackles, embrace our true potential, and experience the profound sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that comes with overcoming our greatest challenges.
