The Fear to Succeed

So often, we don’t start a project because we are afraid of failing. We are afraid of being questioned even before we start, or before a result is shown. We are afraid of being criticized for how we do it or even THAT we do it. We are afraid that people are making fun of us because we are doing something they might have never dared to do themselves. Or we are afraid because our project also means to show a part of us that we kept hidden for so long. But there comes a time when all those fears are not strong enough anymore to keep us from going for our dreams. They cannot keep us from stepping out of our comfort zone anymore. We are full of excitement and enthusiasm and yes, we try it with all our hearts and passion. And then it happens…. the door opens up!

Many of you know that only a few years back I would have never dared to talk in front of people, to share my thoughts, to stand tall for what I believe in even when no one else believed in it. I would have never dared to say something at all without checking if there are at least some people who may agree with what I say. Otherwise, I would say nothing at all. Then I had my breakthrough 11 years back. I only need to think of that moment and my eyes become watery because I will never forget that feeling of breaking down the highest walls of my prison.

Here I was, standing in my full light. That light made me see immediately where my path led and I started writing I’m Free – Awareness of Who You Are by Discovering Who You Are Not. I did not know nor did I want to think too far ahead if that book would ever be published. But deep inside I knew exactly that this was my path. I was on it and headed towards a destination I was meant to reach. After I was done with the manuscript, I let others proofread it, and worked over it again, I felt ready to try something that felt simply impossible to me only 2 years before. I dialed the number of a publisher to ask if I may send them some excerpts. They accepted and I was … full of fear!

Was I afraid that they wouldn’t like it? That crazy thing about it is: No, not at all! I was terrified that they would love it. The light definitely illuminated my path. It showed me all the things that are now coming my way and I felt overwhelmed in both positive and fearful ways. Can I handle this all? I could be taken seriously but I was not used to it. I might have to speak about all the things I believe in and what I saw as blessings in life for everyone. But was I ready to do so? I have always dreamed about it but….. HELP…. it works out!!! I felt like losing control over the developments. I think what scared the hell out of me was the instant realization that I had to take responsibility for my words.

Thanks to my ego pride (yes, the ego can be very helpful) there was no way back. I have given myself a promise to never return to my old prison. That means that I need to let my light shine to recognize the path step by step! As you know, in the end, they accepted and my blog only exists because of the English version of my book that was published two years after the release of the German book. Meanwhile, I gave several lectures, wrote for newspapers, and gave several live interviews on the radio in a language that isn’t even my mother tongue. Have I gotten used to my light yet? It feels as if I was discovering it every day anew but nothing will cause me to crawl back into my comfort zone. No excuses anymore! But it also means that it is barely the easy way I walk but the right way!

Sometimes we go for something but don’t really consider it to work out. We do it to grant our soul its peace because “at least I tried”. Even bigger is the surprise (or overwhelm) when it works. But it is proof that it is your path and your time – whether your mind understands or not.

It is ok to be irritated by your light because it is the most amazing power, and it is even living within you. But don’t be scared. Trust that it will always illuminate the path your soul chose way before it came into this body. Trust that it will guide you to a fulfilled life.

When you let your light shine, God shines through you.
That is what the world needs so badly. 

In Love and Light


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The purpose of my blog is to inspire and shine a light on the beauty and power of the wonderful being inside your body. You came into this world to share what only you can give. Remember who you really are, conquer the world the way you always wanted to, and become the blessing to us all that you were meant to be.

61 Comments

Wow, what a journey Ericka. You had some fearful steps to tread but in doing so you set yourself free. And what a wonderful free it is.
It is an amazing life we live, ever guided onward to reach that inner place that is quietly waiting for us inside. While outside our screams can sometimes be heard for miles, let alone inside our heads. The scars we have are most certainly badges of honor.
You have become what you believe dear lady, take a bow. Your renewed energy can be felt for miles. May that peace, beauty and a wonderful inner love keep you in its heart…yours 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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Where you said you were writing ‘I’m Free – Awareness of Who You Are by Discovering Who You Are Not’. You must have copied the wording and brought the link with it lol 😂 🤣
Click on it and it will take you places…well, a blank Amazon site with ‘The Dogs of Amazon’ puppies saying ‘Sorry, we couldn’t find that page’ anyway 😂 🤣

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Your Light shines in every word written dear Erika.. and smiles at those Quotes too..
Its often the hardest hurdle to overcome, the fear of failure, the fear of not being liked, the fear of being rejected, and so on …
And yes… those fears of succeeding and what success will bring, will it change me, will it swamp me…. So many conditioning’s we prime ourselves with..
It is also how we view success…. Success was writing the first paragraph… success was completing a chapter… Success was having the courage to ring a publisher…. You dear Erika, already succeeded… and over came so many hurdles..
You have a wonderful gift of sharing, And you became free, when you gave yourself permission to BE, who YOU wanted to be… No longer afraid of those shadows of others opinions and others who had perhaps always put you down, which had perhaps made you so timid to speak your mind before…
And once you overcame that within you… YOU did really become Free!…

And you are a Success!…. You are Loved.. and I am so pleased the Universe brought our paths in alignment with each other at this time …
Sending Love and Hugs your way Erika… Stay Blessed my friend
💚🙏💖

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Yes, Sue! That was exactly how I thought about it. With every step I took, I said to myself that I am so much further than I ever thought I would get. And that is what we need to keep in mind. Every step, no matter how small it may appear is a step in our development. And we can be proud of each single one! There is no measure about this since we are so unique and so is every journey with its little and big obstacles.
Now what you are saying here means so much more to me than you can imagine, Sue. I am in the midest of a new achievement in my self-employment and due to a lack of time it takes longer than I wish it would… lol. But what you said takes a lot of the pressure since I know, I have come so much further than I was only a year ago. And I so much closer and the limit line is already in sight.
Thank you for your always so loving, wise, and encouraging comments. And I am too so pleased that we were meant to meet. Such a gift and blessing!
Thank you, Sue 💖💖

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Erika, your first paragraph says it all. A very good basketball player once noted why he wanted to take the last shot in a close game. He said because he could handle the failure if he missed, while others could not.

It is like a boy asking a girl (or vice versa or maybe same gender) for a first date. What is the worst thing that could happen? The person may say “no.” But, what you learn as you get older, at least “no” is an answer. So, you might as well ask.

I am glad you braved your obstacles. You and we are better for your perspective. Keith

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That is so important what you said here. At least, you get an answer, at least you tried! Otherwise it could be haunting you for the rest of your life. And even if it is a No. You don’t need to give in. You can postpone the project or activity or you can try a different approach. If you are convinced about your vision then there is a way. I love the saying: If you want something, you find ways, If you don’t want something, you find excuses!
Thank you very much, Keith!

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This is so right on target in so many ways and I believe the fear of succeeding out weighs that fear of failure. That was a great achievement with your book and breaking the comfort zone the reach your goal. We have such an immense, beautiful light inside us that we shouldn’t dim or hide it or allow anyone to cause us to do so. Keep your light shining bright, dear friend!

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I understand you well. We have a feeling about something and still we begin to think about all the consequences it may bring. And that is what gives us the feeling of getting stuck. What I believe in is that whatever choice we make, we will arrive exactly where we are supposed to arrive – this or that way. Sometimes we simply don’t know what the actual destination is because we have not gone far enough to see it the bigger picture. Sometimes we need to jump and go from where we are landing.
I know that once the time has come you will know exactly where the next step to take and that is sometimes everything we need to know. Sending you much love and you know that I am there for you, sis 💖

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I learned many years ago, after a series of undesirable life events, that a failure is simply an opportunity to learn. Pity those who never fail at anything because their learning is severely limited. I now look at a challenge and ask myself “What is the worst case scenario?”, and unless a life is at stake … I will give it 110% and either be very pleased with myself … or more learned. I cannot lose! 🙂

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Right, that is how I think about it too. To me, failures are ways to see how something may not work (or may not work at that time). As you said, it is an opportunity to learn. That is why I like to exchange the word “failure” with the word “experience”. Whatever we experience, we learn from it. We simply need to use this learning in a constructive way!

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That’s exactly it! So often we let our experiences rather limiting us instead of letting them teaching us. That’s the circle we need to break out. In the end, the only thing that can limit us is our own way of thinking.
Thank you so much, dear Gary!

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