“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson
When I twitted this quote, my twitter friend Jane asked: “How do I conquer this fear?”
My answer was: “It takes a huge step towards trusting the universe and trusting ourselves. It takes an even bigger step for us to allow ourselves to be great. Not always easy but we can do it in small steps one day at a time. Start today by recognizing your awesomeness!”
We’re so afraid of recognizing how great we are that we end up underachieving in all areas of our lives. We end up living small lives telling ourselves that we’re plain and ordinary. And worst of all, we convince ourselves that this is good enough. Is this really who we are?
Awesomeness bootcamp
Bottom line, in reality we’re all awesome. And we each manifest this awesomeness in different ways. No matter what we do, we can’t mess it up — we’ll always be awesome. Most of the time we don’t feel awesome and we don’t express our awesomeness, but that doesn’t mean that we are not awesome.
Due to fear, we don’t act on our awesomeness and express it purely. Fear of failure, fear of not being heard, fear of not being good enough, fear of exposure, fear of success, fear of not having what it takes, and the list goes on and on.
Our awesomeness is a given, but feeling awesome is a choice! Start to embrace your awesomeness by moving towards your awesomeness one step at a time. I use the following process to step away from fear and step into my awesomeness.
1. Notice
Notice any limiting thoughts that tell you that you can’t do it, that it’s impossible, that you’re not that good, that you can’t pull it off, and so on.
Notice that this is your ego mind talking to you from its position of fear. Your ego mind is trying to protect you by keeping you small. You can love your ego mind for trying to do what it thinks is best for you, but you don’t have to play its game.
Be aware during the day of the thoughts that cross your mind when you try to do something new or when exploring a new idea.
2. Challenge
When limiting thoughts cross your mind, question these thoughts by asking “Is this really true? Is this really who I am? How do I know for sure that I can’t be more?”
Challenge every limiting thought and you’ll notice that none of them are true. We’ve been playing the same old record for so long in our heads that somehow we start to believe that these thoughts are true and that’s who we are.
Fears are nothing but thoughts we believe to be true. When we challenge these thoughts, there is no longer a need to be afraid.
3. Reassure
Reassure yourself that you will no longer let the ego mind dictate your life. Tell yourself that you’re awesome beyond belief and that your life is yours for the taking. Remind yourself that you’ve listened to the ego mind for too long and that now it’s time to break free because you’re awesome.
4.Confront
Create situations to stretch yourself into your awesomeness. Take baby steps with things you feel comfortable with at first. Then take steps towards things you’ve been scared to do. It can be anything from asking someone out to speaking in front a big audience.
You have to confront your fear to be able to grow into your awesomeness. It can be scary at first, but you’ll notice that the only thing preventing you from going for your awesomeness is a self-defeating thought you’re carrying.
How much awesomeness can you handle?
I see your awesomeness. You can’t hide it any longer. The only way out is to embrace your awesomeness and dismiss all thoughts that say otherwise.
Stepping into our awesomeness is a growth process to be cherished and embraced. As we acknowledge our awesomeness we recognize who we really. Get a hold of yourself because it’s time to grow up and be who you’re supposed to be: Awesome.
“Brite-size” dose of happiness
To expand our consciousness, grow, and transform it’s important that we practice daily the principles we learn. Here is the brite-size dose of happiness for us to practice this week:“Celebrate your awesomeness.”
I’ll be covering this process on my weekly Britetalk Radio show if you’d like to tune in to explore this topic a little deeper.
Your turn:
How do you feel about embracing your awesomeness? Are you afraid of achieving your potential? Do you feel that you can confront your fears?
With you always in my heart,
Andrea
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Hi Andrea,
Excellent post my friend. You really nailed it. I’ve always thought that success was more intimidating than failure. I think alot of people feel that way to. I’ve learned not to be afraid of my own awesomeness. I have stopped apologizing for who I am. Thanks for this Andrea!
Hi Dandy,
I was thought that failure was more intimidating than success but, like you said, there are lots of people on your camp. And yes, you’re awesome!
Thanks for your awesomeness! Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
As I read this tonight, I’m reminded of a time, about two years ago now – and I was giving a speech. In that speech, I started out with the quote from Marianne Williamson…and then proceeded to share my story…the story of me…over the couple of years prior and leading up to that night. And that story – the story of me – was very much one of letting those words from Ms. Williamson just soak fully into my soul…and then taking those steps to confront the fear…as I put myself out there, talking to this group of people.
And the thing was – it all went so, so well. In that moment, I stepped into my own awesomeness…and the people around me – it wasn’t like the crazy part of my mind had told me about me flopping. It was quite the opposite – and that was also a stepping stone to even more “stepping in” to my own awesomeness. (and it’s felt great!)
Andrea – thanks so much for sharing your process. It’s so good, because as good as it feels to step into my own awesomeness…I know I also shrink back sometimes, too. And in those moments…your words are reassuring..and a guide…
Much, much love to you,
Lance
Hi Lance,
Great to see you! We all shrink back sometimes or shy away from our awesomeness here and there. It’s a normal process because we’re not using to being who we really are. The good thing is that more and more we stay in the awesome state. :)
Thanks for your brilliance. Loving blessings
Great Post Andrea. – and I love the idea of “awesomeness boot camp”
Fear is such an phenomenal thing. Parts of fear are good, in that they keep us aware. But, when fear catches fire in our minds and emotions it can destroy so much potential and possibility.
Fear trips me sometimes, especially when I’m really attached to the result – your words jumped out at me:
“Due to fear, we don’t act on our awesomeness and express it purely”
Far too many times I did not express purely because I was too careful in choosing to express “safely” which meant not fully.
Hi Aileen,
Fear is a little monster that we often nurture while little by little it takes a hold of us. It erodes our potential and paralyzes us in many different ways. I love how you notice that you’re expressing yourself “safely”. Awareness is a beautiful thing. :)
Thanks for your honesty. Loving blessings
Wonderful Andrea. Fear does stop many people. I know it has stopped me at times. I love watching little children, because they have not learned about fear yet. There are many things we can learn just by watching them. You give some wonderful idead on overcoming fear, so we can show how awesome we really are. Everyone is put here are a reason and when we conquor our fears we can be what we are met to be.
I can remember when I was fearful to make a comment on someones site, for fear of what they might think. I know that is pretty bad, but hey I am moving forward. Thank you again and have a wonderful day. Debbie
Hi Debbie,
No worries, it stops all of us at one time or another. :) If we just didn’t outgrow the innocence we once had as children… As for your other point, what we post on the web is forever so some caution is good but not to the detriment of our self-expression and awesomeness. :)
Thanks for your sincerity. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
This a great process. It is similar to the ABC method of challenging our beliefs. Even when aware of our limiting thoughts, it can tough to consciously challenge and replace these with more empowering thoughts, but our awesomeness is there to be found if we can start to confront our fears as you mention.
Hi Joe,
I don’t know much about this method but I remember you mentioning it once before. There are many processes used to challenge our thoughts. The process itself is not as important as the fact that we’re actually consistently challenging our thoughts. Like you said, the challenge is in the consistency. :)
Thanks for your thoughts. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
Nice post! Each one of us is awesome in his/her way. The key is to become aware of our awesomeness and that we really can achieve miracles in our lives if we really want to. Everything begings with awareness in life. I like the tips you provided as they help us face our fears and step into our creativity and awesomeness. Thanks for sharing Andrea
Hi Dia,
Yes, the trick is awareness. Once we start to pay attention to our inner critic it becomes easier to step into our awesomeness. It’s not necessarily a fast process but it’s an extremely rewarding one.
Thanks for your excitement. Loving blessings
Hello Andrea,
This is a great article about man’s capabilities to achieve results in life.
One thing that prevents man from achieving success in life is fear. The biggest one is the fear of failure. Anthony Robbins, a famous self-motivation speaker, said, “There are no failures in life. There are only results.” It is the unexpected results, known to us as failures, which put us to inaction and prevents us into working towards our goals and ambition in life. But in reality, we can use these so-called “unexpected results” or “failures” as learning experiences in life. It took Thomas Edison more than 10,000 experiments to finally create the light bulb. Despite of his innumerable trials, he kept on going until he achieved the result that he wanted. He never considered each one a failure but a result and a learning experience. When we carry the same attitude as Edison, it prevents us from having limiting thoughts that may occur in our minds.
Another thing that you mentioned is challenge. It is correct that aside from fear of failure, the challenges and obstacles that may present us in fulfilling our objectives can be daunting. You said it right that, “Challenge every limiting thought and you’ll notice that none of them are true.” It is not true when we have to realize that challenges does not limit us but it opens us to many possibilities. If we are willing to stretch ourselves in reaching our goals by constant action and having the right attitude, we can also be surprised with the results that we can achieve in life despite of the many so-called perceived obstacles that may prevent us from doing it. Going back to Edison, he managed become successful in finding a way for the light bulb to work as each “failed” trial provided him another possibility correcting his invention.
It was wonderful that you brought up the subject of ego. We have to realize that we are not perfect creatures and that the actions we take are susceptible to errors. This will help us realize to the issue of what I brought up about so called “unexpected results” and “failures”. Aside from that, being humble empowers us to believe that we can do great things in life if we are willing to learn from our unsuccessful experiences instead of creating doubts in our abilities. I believe that this empowered Edison to move forward from every experiment that he took during the invention of the light bulb. It made realize that every unsuccessful attempt is a way of finding a new possibility and not a reflection of his capabilities. And of course, it moves us away from any self-defeating attitude that we may develop in life.
Finally, we must always remind ourselves that we are not alone in this journey called life. As indicated in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We must carry this thought to realize that there is someone who is with us in every action that we take in life. It empowers us spiritually as well.
Loving blessings!!!!!
Rich
Hi Rich,
Wow, what a beautiful comment. Your first paragraph hits on something that I often say “there are no mistakes, only lessons.” Which can also be said as “there are no failures, only lessons.” :) You stated the part about fears very well. We’re not always willing to stretch ourselves but that’s an important step for our growth because that’s when we confront our fears. And yes, doubts will get us no where. I have actually nothing to add to your splendid explanation. :)
Thanks for your deep thoughts. Loving blessings
Awesome post about awesomeness Andrea. For me it goes with happiness in that how much can I take? Do I expect it to go wrong or for bubbles to burst? Well, ‘yes’ has been my old outlook but I’ve refreshed and updated my head and now I feel great and so it’s easier with less resistance to see the movement of the marvellous all around me and in my life. To have awesomeness is to witness and find it every single day espcially on the inside and to know that it doesn’t have to end or leave you. Hope you’re going to add some awesome tunes to the awesome debate on the radio! If so let me add a real favourite – ‘Break Out’ by Swing Out Sister. Man that gets me all a rocking and a fudgy all over.
Hi John,
Great to hear from you. No bubbles ready to burst? It sounds great. I like the refreshed and updated John. :) Awesome song choice by the way. Keep that body rocking!
Thanks for your brightness. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
Awesome stuff here! Whenever those limiting beliefs rear their ugly head, I try to remind myself that they haven’t been true in the past, so they’re not true this time either!
Thanks,
Katie
Hi Katie,
Our self-defeating thoughts are never true, are they? They try their best to keep us caged and the pity is that they often succeed. Like you said, not anymore!
Thanks for your power. Loving blessings
Hello Andrea,
Thank you for the thought provoking statement “Start today by recognizing your awesomeness!”
For me this is a real stretch. I must apply this to my life instead of so much resistance. In other words, I must believe in myself. There is an old saying, “If it is to be – It is up to Me.
Thanks,
Hi Ellene,
That’s a great saying. I totally understand that when we’re not used to accepting our awesomeness that it can be challenging. Stick with it, girl, because it is up to you. :)
Thanks for your telling it like it is. Loving blessings
Andrea,
I love it. I didn’t know you could see my awesomeness. I thought I had that tucked away good under my superman cape. Oh well! lol! This was an outstanding read with very actionable steps that I can use immediately to silence that ego mind that tells me I am not who I want to be. I am taking a step towards awesomeness and I thank you for showing me the road that will lead me there. Great job!
Hi Frank,
I can definitely see your awesomeness,my friend. Don’t even try to hide it because it’s very transparent. :) I’m glad to see you taking the steps towards awesomeness although I have the feeling that you’ve taken many steps already.
Thanks for keeping it light. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
I’m ready to be awesome!! I don’t know how much I can handle – but I’ll take all I can get. Thanks for this terrific article. By the way I loved listening to your radio show too!
Hi Angela,
I know that you’re ready. I also know that you can take an unlimited amount of awesomeness. :)
Thanks for listening to the radio show. Loving blessings
Hi Angela,
I know that you’re ready. I also know that you can take an unlimited amount of awesomeness. :)
Thanks for listening to the radio show. Loving blessings
Well said, Andrea. Realizing that “we are powerful beyond measure” is a jolting truth that scares folks. Accepting that truth means taking 100% responsibility for our lives… oh my! :) Human beings have become very practiced at the ‘art of self-evasion’. It’s amazing to discover how many ways we’ve managed to avoid our original nature. The only way to learn the truth is to turn from self-evasion to an honest self-facing bootcamp.
Hi Rob,
I know it can be scary but we can’t continue to hide anymore. :) There comes a point that we have to start to step up and face who are. And yes, no self-evasion.
Thanks for your wise words. Loving blessings
Seems you and I had a similar thought in common this week. It was great to connect on The Jungle Life and I am thrilled to have found your site. Finding your awesomeness is truly having to get through the fear. But once you do you discover you can do more than you ever imagined. Thank you for the words of wisdom!
Hi Jacqueline,
I know, we’re in sync. :) You’re a living example of stepping into awesomeness and facing our fears. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for your sweetness. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
This is so true. We are really more awesome than we realize, if only we do not allow fear and doubts to limit and hold us back. I love the steps you have laid out on how to be awesome!
1. Notice
Being aware of our limiting thoughts and beliefs is the first and most crucial step to dealing with them. If we lack awareness, we will only continue to lead less than awesome lives without realizing why or having the realization for change.
4. Confront
The best way to deal with fear and doubt is to confront it. In the shadows of our minds, fear and doubt are all powerful. But when we drag them into the open to see them for what they are, they usually lose their power and hold over us. Goethe one said that doubt can only be removed by action. We need to identify our doubts and fears and come up with solutions to manage them. If we can do this for each and every one of our doubts and fears, we will be more awesome!
Nourish
I would like to add that we can become more awesome if we nourish our minds with awesomeness. This could be in the form of reading or watching things that are inspirational. It could be the lives of people we admire or uplifting events and so on. The more awesomeness we absorb like a human sponge, the more awesome we are likelier to become.
Thank you for sharing this awesome article! :)
Irving the Vizier
Hi Irving,
Awareness is the key to personal growth. That’s how we start to notice the games we play. I like it, confront our fears “In the shadows of our minds”. That’s usually where it hides. :) I love the ideas of nourishing our minds with awesomeness!
Thanks for these great reminders. Loving blessings
Some really great suggestions Andrea. I think fear often limits us because we believe it is better not to get our hopes up. That ideology that it will never happen for me permeates our society today.
Hi Todd,
That’s a good point about we not wanting to get our hopes up. It’s a self-defeating attitude but it’s unfortunately very true. We need to change to “it happens” mode. :)
Thanks for the reminder. Loving blessings
Andrea,
I absolutely love the idea of taking “baby” steps. That’s the way to go in my book. These 4 steps are a clear formula for letting ourselves shine! Thank you.
Hi Sandra,
I tend to like big steps, actually leaps, but most often baby steps tend to be more effective. :) You already shine bright, my friend.
Thanks for your light. Loving blessings
beautiful. love the way you broke this process down. this is something i am very aware of & working on in my life.
Hi Lissa,
Beautiful that you’re working on it. It’s all about continuous work. :)
Thanks for stopping by. Loving blessings
Understanding fear is the way to combat it ;)
For me the key to fight fear was the understanding i got from reading “Think and Grow Rich” – as one of the first self-development books i read, it was really helpful in terms of understand the impact fear have on our life.
Kind Regards
Mads